CULT OF PERSONALITY 2005

"CULT OF PERSONALITY"

WRITTEN BY

KENDALL OLIPHANT

FADE IN:

EXT. BUS STATION -- DAY
(JESSIE)

A Greyhound bus pulls into a terminal on a sunny March, Monday morning. The digital display on the front of the bus indicates the bus originated from Oshawa.

Passengers pile off the early morning bus, JESSIE RILEY exits, removes her bag from the open under carriage and pauses to take in the Toronto sights. PAN, up to the large financial buildings and the CN Tower.

JESSIE, eighteen, fresh from high school, still wears her boyfriends major junior hockey jacket, embroidered with the name "Billy". She removes her cell phone and makes a call.

JESSIE
Hi, Billy, ya, just got in, Toronto sure isn't Oshawa, the bus terminal alone is three blocks long. So when do you think you can make it here. Oh, I understand, the Turbo's have a legitimate shot at the championship, but I wish our first day in paradise could have been together. Okay, I'll see you next week when you get into town. Bye.

JESSIE closes her phone, and looks dejected as she looks down at the wedding ring on her hand. She picks up her bag and heads off the platform.

EXT. BUS STATION -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

As JESSIE walks by, a man, thirty two years of age, wearing a long black dress coat over a neatly pressed suit looks on intently until JESSIE disappears into a coffee shop. The man folds his newspaper and starts in the direction of the coffee shop.

CUT TO:

INT. COFFEE SHOP -- MOMENTS LATER
(DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE sits at a table sipping a mug of coffee while looking through the want ads. The man in black from the bus terminal ENTERS and heads over to JESSIE. The man to be known a DERICK.

DERICK
What kind of job are you looking for?

JESSIE
(distracted, glances up)
Pardon?

DERICK
The want ads? What are you? A business major?

JESSIE
I don't know, I mean I'm hoping to get into University next year, right now I'm looking for anything.

DERICK
Well maybe I can help you.

JESSIE
I don't think pal, I'm not looking for that kind of job.

DERICK
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound that way, I'm not a pimp. Can I sit down.

JESSIE
Make it quick, my husband will be here any minute, he gets a little jealous.

DERICK
Hey no problem, look, I own a small business that imports goods from companies all over the world looking to get a foothold in the North American market. I buy their goods, create a marketing campaign and sell quality manufactured products, through private vendors, whom I share the profits with.

JESSIE
Look I don't have any money?

DERICK
That's the beauty of my company, I hire smart, young go getters, like yourself, front them with the start up capital required to start their own marketing business, provide you with all the merchandise and advertising. The great part is you can run your company from home, all I require is for you too come into the central office once a week for a couple of hours and partake in a shareholders meeting.

JESSIE
Come on, do I look stupid? You give me all this for no money?

DERICK
Look, my company offers young people like yourself to be financially set owning their own business within one year, compared too a franchiser of some big box chain, who might take five years too reach the same goal. Or, someone who tries too build a business from scratch, might not see a profit for six or even ten years.

JESSIE
So, how does this all happen.

DERICK
You come too one of my weekly meetings and listen to my shareholders, if you are then satisfied that I am for real and you want to start down the path to financial happiness. Then all it takes is a signature on a business contract and you are all set.

JESSIE
Can I have a copy of this contract, my step-dad is a lawyer, I'll get him too look at it.

DERICK
Sure, I haven't got one on me, but come in to my office and I'll give a contract and you can look it over. Here's my card and some brochures, look them over and call me.

JESSIE
Sure, maybe

DERICK
No problem, I won't take any more of your time, have a great day.

DERICK leaves a card and the pamphlets on the table in front of JESSIE and EXITS.

INT. COFFEE SHOP -- MOMENTS LATER
(JESSIE)

JESSIE stares down at the brochures with the caption "Financial Freedom" and then at a job listing with the heading "Experience Necessary". Her face shows her dejection.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. QUEEN ST WEST CLOTHING STORE -- AFTERNOON
(JESSIE, BRIANA)

JESSIE looks through a rack of vintage clothing in a small boutique. A young sales clerk ENTERS. She is a couple years younger than JESSIE, bubbly and energetic.

BRIANA
Hi, can I help you?

JESSIE
(Indecisive)
No, I'm not sure, I want to to look good for my boyfriend when he arrives, but I don't have a lot of money.

BRIANA
(excited)
Ahh, then you have come to the right place! I have this great dress over near the counter.

BRIANA leads JESSIE over to the counter, above a simple white dress hangs.

EXT. QUEEN ST WEST CLOTHING STORE -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, JESSIE)

BRIANA
Here, I found this in my Nana's attic, it's from the forties, she's wearing it in this picture.

PAN, down to the counter as JESSIE looks at a studio head shot of a women in her mid-twenties.

JESSIE
Was your grandma an actress?

BRIANA
She did stage productions mostly, she even played Nora Desmond.

JESSIE
Cool, I like the dress, very Veronica Lake.

BRIANA
Who?

JESSIE
Sorry, think Betty and Veronica, dark hair, very beautiful.

BRIANA
Like you, listen, I'll give you twenty percent off the dress if you come with me to a sales meeting tomorrow night.

JESSIE
What kind of sales meeting? Like Amway?

BRIANA
No, nothing like that, a bunch of us small business owners get together on Tuesday nights for a discussion forum and we are told we can bring a friend.

JESSIE
Who else will be there?

BRIANA
Oh about twenty or so of us life holders.

JESSIE
You mean shareholders?

BRIANA
No, life holders, that's what Mr. Larson calls us. He says shares are superficial monetary markers that big businesses hang over the heads of their workers as unrealistic reward incentives in exchange for unobtainable goals. Life holders are people who are confident in them selves and strive to reach the obtainable goals set forth by Mr. Larson, in exchange for ever lasting harmony in life.

JESSIE
(slightly sarcastic)
Okay, now Briana, this Mr. Larson, he is like your boss?

BRIANA
No, Derick invests the initial funds for each of his life holders to open up their business, in return, each of his children reinvest a percentage back into family.

JESSIE
Why do you call it a family?

BRIANA
Mr. Larson treats each of us like we were his children, not a faceless employer.

JESSIE
Sounds like a cool guy, you said something about a meeting?

BRIANA
Tomorrow night at eight, come with me, I can be your Betty.

JESSIE
Well, I guess I just bought a dress.

BRIANA
(happy)
Great, meet me at the Landings Learning Facility, here's the address.

JESSIE takes the card and the bag with the dress in it from BRIANA, smiles.

JESSIE
Thanks, see you their.

JESSIE EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER -- NIGHT
(BRIANA, JESSIE, DERICK)

JESSIE enters and looks around the room, forty people gather in small groups, shaking hands and laughing. BRIANA ENTERS.

BRIANA
Jessie!

JESSIE
Hi, I thought you said it was only going to be twenty or so people.

BRIANA
This is better, I guess everyone was extra motivated and brought in more than one guest.

JESSIE
(noticing DERICK)
I met that guy yesterday in the coffee shop, what's he doing here?

BRIANA
That's Mr. Larson.

JESSIE
(hesitant)
Oh

DERICK comes to the microphone set on a raised platform at the front of the room. He begins to speak and all the guests and JESSIE and BRIANA quiet and settle in the wooden seats set up in rows.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, BRIANA, JESSIE)

DERICK
First of all, I would like to thank you for attending tonight's forum. And I see some of you have done well met your quotas for new guests.

JESSIE leans toward BRIANA.

JESSIE
(whispering)
Quota? What does that mean.

BRIANA
(shyly)
Shhh, Mr. Larson doesn't allow talking.

JESSIE feeling a little uncomfortable straitens up as DERRICK CONTINUES.

DERICK
(looking out towards JESSIE)
For the guests who are unfamiliar with the rules, I will briefly go over them one time only. One,
participants who frequently need to eat, drink or use the bathroom for medical reasons please tell this to one of the many volunteers at the back of the room, and please do this now.

DERICK pause, and gives a look to the many stern faced volunteers manning the rear of the room.

DERICK
If any participants leave the room during The Forum, even for a few minutes, they will forfeit the right to expect the result. All the rules are written down on the blackboards along the side of the room, please refer to them if you must.

PAN, around to the side of the room, ACROSS a blackboard, onto which the rules are written in terse, perfect script all in upper case lettering.

DERICK
Shortly, I will break you into smaller groups so that all my volunteer's can pass on the technology of the Landing Learning Center, thus sharing the breakthroughs that I have given them, that have made them so much happier. Thank you.

As DERICK leaves the stage the volunteers all drop their eyes in a submissive acknowledgement to his status.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, BRIANA)

The volunteers and their guests stand and begin to happily banter. The volunteers at the back of the room begin to hand out pamphlets to the guests. One is handed to JESSIE.

BRIANA
So what do you think?

JESSIE
What is this place, I thought you said it was a business seminar.

BRIANA
It is, but not like the stuffy boring kind, the forum inspires happiness in friends an eagerness share in the secret.

JESSIE
Okay, Briana slow down, what is this secret you are talking about?

BRIANA
The secret of the forum is simple. Mr. Larson will bear us up where God and love has failed us only then we can all cross over to a land of milk and honey where we can slough off layers of disappointment and neglect and be naked and fearless, the loving people we are in our private Edens.

JESSIE
Figuratively speaking right?

BRIANA
I understand your skepticism, I was the same way, before I came to the forum, I was a nobody. I ran a way from home when I was fifteen and began living on the street. Mr. Larson convinced me to call my father and make peace. I did, and last month I convinced him to come to a weekend forum. Jessie, it was the first time he ever held me. No I am happy, thanks to Landings.

JESSIE
Well I'm glad, but that's not my problem, I'm happy I have a boyfriend, I get along with my step dad. I just don't have any cash.

BRIANA
I told you, the Landings can help you get what ever kind of business you want. Come with me to the forum this weekend.

JESSIE looks at the cover of the brochure.

JESSIE
(dismayed)
Whoa! I don't have two hundred bucks. Thanks but no thanks, I go sell Amway if I have too.

JESSIE tries to walk passed BRIANA.

BRIANA
(insistently)
No, wait, no problem I'll pay the fee for you, call it a gift.

JESSIE
Okay I'll go, but I'll call my step dad and get the money when I get settled than I'll pay you back.

BRIANA
(smiling)
Good, welcome to happiness. Welcome to the Landings.

The two girls EXIT.

CUT TO:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- DAY
(JESSIE, SAMUEL)

JESSIE picks up the phone and hits the speed dial button for her step father SAMUEL and waits for an answer.

JESSIE
Hey, Sam, how goes the rat race on Bay Street?

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, SAMUEL)

SAMUEL is handed a file folder by a secretary. He splits his attention between the phone call from JESSIE and the document.

SAMUEL
Oh you know, same old story, looking out for the good guy, how about you?
(Nodding)
I talked to Billy the other day and he told me you guys were moving to Toronto, when did you get in?

CUT TO:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, SAMUEL)

JESSIE
On Monday
(pause)

SAMUEL
(voice on phone)
How come you haven't dropped by the office?

JESSIE
(trying to conceal the truth)
I've been busy, you know how it is, I've been trying to get the apartment set up, before Billy gets here.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL)

SAMUEL
Well that could be another month or longer, Oshawa is looking great, if they get through this round they could go all the way to the Canadian championships.

CUT TO:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, SAMUEL)

JESSIE
(dejected)
I know, I want him to do well, but I miss him, I've barely seen him all season and we are supposed to be engaged.

SAMUEL
(voice on the phone)
What do you mean supposed to be? Billy loves you very much, and I'm sure when the season is over he will make up for lost time.

JESSIE
I know, it's just frustrating. Anyway what I phoned for was, too ask you if you ever heard of a guy named Derick Larson?

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL, JESSIE)

SAMUEL
Larson? Not off the top of my head. Why?

JESSIE
(voice over phone)
I met someone who owns a clothing store and she says this guy provides small loans to young people to open their own business.

SAMUEL
Is he a franchiser?

CUT TO:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, SAMUEL)

JESSIE
She says he gives the money interest free, all you have to do is give him ten percent of the profit and attend the training seminars.

SAMUEL
(voice on the phone)
How much do these training seminars cost?

JESSIE
(shyly)
Hmmm, well that's kind of why I phoned, there's a three day seminar starting tonight and I told my friend Briana I'd pay her back the two hundred dollars she loaned me to go.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL, JESSIE)

SAMUEL
Your a smart girl Jessie, are you sure about this guy?

JESSIE
(voice on the phone)
He seems okay, it's not like some cult, I don't have to shave my head and stand on a street corner handing out pamphlets, and at the meeting on Tuesday, no one was hopping up and down on chairs screaming like a loon.

SAMUEL
Look, I'll check this guy out, in the meantime I'll wire you the money. Be careful Jessie.

CUT TO:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

JESSIE
I will, tell Mom I love her.
(pause)
Okay, thanks phone me if you find something.
(pause)
Will do, bye.

JESSIE hangs up the phone.

FADE OUT:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- DAY
(BRIANA, DERICK, JESSIE)

A hundred men and women from all walks of life form workers and salespeople to professionals, drift into a large conference room different from the one JESSIE previously visited. BRIANA and JESSIE ENTER, they are greeted by DERICK.

DERICK
Briana are you ready?

JESSIE
(to Briana)
Ready for what?

DERICK
(smiling, but slightly annoyed)
It is Briana's turn to confess to the following all her pass troubles and tell how the forum has made such a difference to her life.

BRIANA
(smiling, subserviently)
I'm ready Mr. Larson,
(turning to JESSIE)
I'll talk to you later Jessie.

DERICK
(interested)
Jessie? So that's your name, your the young lady from the coffee shop. I'm glad you have decided to change your life, welcome to the landing.

DERICK puts his arm around BRIANA and abruptly EXITS. JESSIE doesn't know what to make of DERICK, but quietly turns and settles into a nearby seat.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
(BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK steps up to the podium at the front of the room with BRIANA.

DERICK
(smiling)
Thank you all for attending this weekends seminar. I see that most of you have done yourself well and brought guests with you. I am deeply happy. To the rest of you, you will do better. Now, if you will, please give your attention over to Briana.

DERICK EXITS

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK)

BRIANA
(nervously)
Thank you Mr. Larson.
(Polite applause from the crowd.)
Thank you Mr. Larson, I would like to tell you all my story. I ran away from home when I was fifteen and started living on the streets of Toronto. I met Mr. Larson, two years ago. I had nothing, and I was nothing. Derick introduced me to the way of the Landing and through his encouragement I contacted my Dad and have committed to resolving my resentment for him that I have bottled up inside me. This negativity has made me a very ill person.
(Applause erupts)

The camera pans around the room. The forum staff express their pleasure and support of this breakthrough, but show no sense of surprise.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA)

The camera settles back on BRIANA as she CONTINUES her address after pausing to take in the applause.

BRIANA
Thank you, and now I'd like to introduce you to my father, who has come to be be with me here tonight.

MR. HANSON in his early forties ENTERS the room and steps onto the podium. He hugs BRIANA who in turn gives him an awkward kiss on the cheek.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

PAN to JESSIE and the people surrounding her. Many begin to sob as they are overcome with joy, others begin to clap and cheer loudly. JESSIE looks on with disbelief.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK, MR.HANSON, JESSIE)

DERICK re-enters and stands between BRIANA and her father.

DERICK
(turning to BRIANA'S father)
Thank you Mr. Hanson, I'm glad you have seen your ways and I hope your future with Briana can now be full of happiness.

MR.HANSON
(robotlike)
Yes, with the Landings help of course.

DERICK
Of course, and now I would like to ask my followers to say good by to their guests and attend the workshops.

About half of the room stand and EXIT. MR.HANSON shakes DERICKS hand, smiles at BRIANA and EXITS. JESSIE ENTERS and steps toward the podium.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, DERICK, BRIANA)

JESSIE
(To BRIANA)
So what happens now?

DERICK
(annoyed)
Hi, Jessie, Briana must attend her workshop. I'll be back to talk to the rest of you new people in a minute, please take your seat.

DERICK abruptly EXITS with BRIANA leaving JESSIE looking on in amazement and disbelief.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-LOBBY -- MOMENTS LATER
(DERICK, MR.HANSON, BRIANA)

DERICK with his hand on the back of BRIANA'S shoulder ENTER into the lobby and walk over to MR.HANSON.

DERICK
Good work Mr. Hanson, I'm glad you realized it was in your best interest to attend tonight's meeting. I hope your positive relationship with the Landing will continue so that we can do for you what we have done for your daughter. As a reminder your annual contributions are due, please attend to this as soon as possible. Now excuse me.

MR.HANSON
Yes sir, and thank you for al the help you have provided, I no longer crave the alcohol that used to fuel my demons.

DERICK
(indifferent)
Good, now Briana, you must work with you guest to control the reckless impulses that make her so unappreciative of the work of the Landing.

BRIANA
Yes sir, I will

DERICK nods and EXITS. Leaving BRIANA and her father standing in the lobby.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- LATER
(DERICK, JESSIE, MR.HANSON)

Forty or so guests sit in the conference room waiting for DERICK to address them, including JESSIE. DERICK ENTERS and steps to the podium.

DERICK
Thank you for staying tonight to become guests of the Landing and joining in the enlightenment that your friends already know that I process. Let me formally introduce myself. I am Derrick Larson, your forum guide. Right off the top, I would like to open up the forum for questions, comments and concerns from my guests.

JESSIE raises her hand and speaks.

JESSIE
Mr. Larson, I noticed your badge says you have a phd. In what field?

DERICK
(uncomfortably)
Good question. I have a phycology degree and used to have my own practice.

JESSIE
How come you are in this line of work now?

DERICK
I used to have the traditional practice until I realized I would be of much more help to the people who need me if I created the Landing. A place for people to receive help and enlightenment, free of charge without the stigmas attached.

A MR.HANSON stands in the room and blurts out.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(MR.HANSON)

MR.HANSON
I can attest to that, I spent five years in therapy, and no one has been able to fill the emptiness in my soul. Until today, thank you Mr. Larson.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK
(smugly looking at BRIANA)
Did someone ask why I do this work? Now I would like to bring back into the room, all my gatherers.

DERICK motions for the two attendants guarding the door at the back of the room to open them.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, JESSIE, DERICK)

The gathered are led back into the room, by the attendants. BRIANA smiles at JESSIE and sits next to her. DERRICK impatiently waits for all of them to sit.

DERICK
Thank you, let me continue. Life is a conversion and over the course of the next two days you all will realize that change first occurs when you step up your level of expectation to the level of the Landing. This can only begin when you open up d deal with your personal concerns, issues and hopes. To illustrate this point. Let me ask you a question, tell me how you were already listening a certain way when you came here today?

BRIANA
I was already always listening?

DERICK
Correct Briana, Already always listening, that means, bringing all our oats experiences with us into every situation. And that is what dictates our perceptions of everything in the present. Furthermore, your past is not really your past. In fact, the past is the future you are living into.

DERICK steps off the riser and comes down closer to BRIANA and JESSIE.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, BRIANA, JESSIE)

DERICK
This weekend, I assure you, will be life-changing and full of break through.

At the back of the room, the assistants smile wildly and nod with fervor.

DERICK
Ok, how many of you were pressured to be here?

The gathering begin to snicker. DERICK still standing in front of BRIANA and JESSIE, front row center, with his hand in the air, still smiling.

DERICK
Go ahead and raise your hand if you were pressured to be here, don't be afraid.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE looks around the room as nine of ten hands go up, over the next five seconds. Her gaze settles back onto DERICK.

DERICK
Ok, great. Now those who raised your hands, stand up.
(pause)

Half a dozen slowly stand.

DERICK
Come on now, go ahead and stand up if you raised your hand. Who was pressured to be here!

A bit of movement, now eight are standing.

DERICK
Ok great, thank you

DERICK acknowledges the eight.

DERICK
That wasn't bad.

DERICK'S facial expressions becomes more serious as he projects a strong tone of authority.

DERICK
Now, those of you who are standing, please, just make your way to the table at the back of the room. Take your name tags off and place them on the table.

The people start to make their way to the back.

DERICK
You will be given your two hundred dollars back. You are all dismissed and you can leave and go about your weekend. The forum wasn't for you.

DERICK pauses until those who are leaving EXIT.

DERICK
Now, we can get with the tasks at hand.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-SMALL OFFICE -- LATER
(DERICK, JESSIE)

DERICK pulls JESSIE aside into a small office as the first day of the seminar comes to an end. The gathered EXIT the room chatting.

DERICK
I couldn't help notice that throughout the seminar you were taking notes.

JESSIE
Sure, you cover alto of material and I wanted to be clear of your message.

DERICK
I know from the first time I saw you, that you were an educated women, that's why I wanted to make you a part of the Landing, but I must take your notes.

JESSIE
Why? There for my own use only, rest a sure.

DERICK
I know you wouldn't be so stupid as to try to tell anyone the secrets of the Landing, but note taking is strictly forbidden . Now please the notes.

JESSIE
(perplexed)
Okay, sure no problem.

JESSIE hands a small note pad to DERRICK, who in turn throws it into a nearby trash can.

DERICK
Now let me re-explain the promise of the forum. If you play according to the rules, you can expect big results from the forum. If you don't you may still get the result, but you forfeit your right to expect it. In other words, co-operative participants can expect to bear the fruit of the promise of the forum.

JESSIE
Could you please expand on that. I came here for help in starting a business, not counseling.

DERICK
(becoming annoyed)
That's what I am trying to offer you. The promise of the forum so to empower you with confidence so you can look in the face of disparity and have the power to overcome. I will achieve this by providing you with the knowledge that will allow you make breakthroughs in your relationships you have with yourselves and the world around you. Now excuse me, I must prepare for the next discussion.

DERICK EXITS leaving JESSIE staring at the pamphlets on the desk entitled 'The Landing, the start of a new life'.

FADE OUT:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- LATER
(DERICK, TRAINER)

TIGHT, as DERICK talks on the phone in a menacing tone.

DERICK
Mr. Mahern please,

TRAINER
He is busy right now, can I take a message.

DERICK
I think he will find this of importance.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, DERICK, TRAINER, COACH)

BILLY sits on the TRAINERS table in a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt, an ice bag covers his knee. The TRAINER is on the phone with DERICK.

TRAINER
(annoyed)
Fine.
(pause)
Billy, phone!

BILLY
Who is it?

TRAINER
(mockingly)
Don't know, say's it's important? Maybe it's Toronto looking to sign the next Lindros.

BILLY
Ya, right.

TRAINER
Don't kid yourself. How's the knee feel?

BILLY
The knee feels great, thanks. I'll get the phone here.

The COACH EXITS.TIGHT as BILLY gets up from the table and answers the phone.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
(BILLY)

BILLY answers the phone.

BILLY
Ya, this is Billy?

CUT TO:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK
Mr. Mahern, I'm glad to see that all the media hype hasn't turned you into an egotistical giant. Thanks for taking my call.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

BILLY
(confused)
Who is this? This is a private number pal, who put you up to this?

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK
Rest assure Mr. Mahern, this is no joke. I'm dead serious when I say that you really need to look at your priorities.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

BILLY
Look pal, I don't have time for you and what ever your game is. Make a point or hang up!

CUT TO:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK
Your priorities are all wrong. All you care about is hockey and the money you are going to make. What about Jessie? What about what she wants?

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

BILLY
(annoyed)
Jessie? What about her? Look you creep haven't a clue what your talking about. I think the world of my wife and we understand each others needs. So what the hell is your point?

CUT TO:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK
My point Mr. Mahern is this. Someone of your status could be very useful to the Landing. Your earning potential and media exposure combined with Jessie's youthfulness are exponential. Add in my marketing skills and we could be unstoppable.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

BILLY
(laughing)
Look, I'm not interested in a new business manager. I have enough already. What I want is too know, is how you know Jessie?

CUT TO:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK
Let's just say I plan on taking Jessie on a journey of enlightenment that will change her life in ways that all the money in the world can't possibly do.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

BILLY
(angry)
What the hell are you talking about! Where is Jessie? If she's their put her on! If you've touched her, I will
(pause)
Look, I have to speak to her so goodbye.

CUT TO:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK
Go ahead, talk to your sweet Jessie, I'm sure she will convince you of her potential.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, TRAINER)

BILLY
What?
(Click)
Hey!

The TRAINER ENTERS.

TRAINER
Billy, hit the bike before your legs stiffen up.

BILLY
I'll be right their, Red.

BILLY awls past a man stuffing used towels into a laundry bag. We only see him from behind.

BILLY
Here's another one for you Lawrence.

MAN/LAWRENCE
Sure, thanks Billy.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-TRAINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

As Billy walks past we see LAWRENCE'S mouth turn to a scowl. LAWRENCE stuffs the tow into the bag and ties it up and proceed over to the phone and turns his back to the camera as he makes his call.

MAN/LAWRENCE
Ya, I think we got him. Later.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- NIGHT
(BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK starts the evening session of the conference. BRIANA sits center.

DERICK
Does anybody here withhold themselves in life?

A commotion breaks out amongst the forum. People turn to each other and begin to argue.

DERICK
What happens in life is not really a problem. Rather, it is the interpretation, the meaning you add to it. This is what hurts you.

BRIANA STANDS with tears in her eyes.

BRIANA
I was a victim of sexual abuse as a child and a victim of verbal and physical abuse at the hands of many guys. I feel dirty, worthless. I don't think I will ever find a positive relationship.

DERICK picks up a piece of chalk and begins to write on the board.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

SHOT of the words on the chalkboard form over DERICK'S shoulder. As he writes he narrates.

DERICK
There are the simple facts of what happens in life and there is a whole domain of meanings and interpretations that we add to the world. They are separate of each other. What happens and interpretation.

DERICK underlines "What happens" and "Interpretation"

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK puts down the chalk and continues his lesson looking at the gathering, specifically to BRIANA

DERICK
What we humans do, is take the simple fact of reality and combine them with the meanings and interpretations we make up in life and then begin to relate to the interpretations as though they were reality. You see, the sexual experience was what happened, the dirty, worthless victim, unable to develop a relationships just your story about what happened.

BRIANA
So what your saying is that I made this all up! That's not true!

DERICK
Yes it is! You live in a soap opera world Briana. A soap opera that you call your life. You made that whole story up. You need to get that through your head!

BRIANA slumps into her chair and breaks into a furry of tears. DERICK offers her no sympathy. A women next to her puts an arm around her.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK moves from BRIANA and positions himself in the isle way.

DERICK
To the rest of you, let this be a lesson. And remember this, we take what we make up, we live as though it were real and finally we begin to make things happen out of the stories which we have come to believe true. Briana is an example,

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK walks back over to BRIANA and continues his assault.

DERICK
She was denied the right to do what ever she wanted in her fathers home, this is what happened. She made up the story of the abuse and feelings of inferiority. Then she started living the life of an inferior person, therefore she tended to full fill her own interpretations, thus making them into reality. Soon she collapsed the vicious circle a there was no longer a distinction between what happened and the meaning she gave it.

DERICK stands over BRIANA and stairs directly into her eyes.

DERICK
Briana do you understand what I am saying?

BRIANA
(sobbing)
Yes. Life is a conversation. Maybe I didn't make up what happened, maybe I just made up my explanations and reasons to mask the pain of reality.

DERICK
Better.

TURNING his attention to the rest of the room.

DERICK
Now I must return to my guests. I will bring you all in a minute. Please take the time to discuss the concepts of what happened and interpretation.

DERICK EXITS.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
(BRIANA, CHARLES, PENNY)

A couple named CHARLES and PENNY move their chairs from either side of BRIANA into a semicircle around her.

PENNY
I learned so much from you today Briana, It's so important to separate events from interpretation. I liked the examples you gave they made me think about my own experiences.

CHARLES
Give us an example?

PENNY
My mother died and she had a funeral and she was buried. And that's what happened. My impression was that no one told me she was going to die. Everybody knew except me. She didn't say good-bye. My family was acting cold heartedly and unfeeling about the funeral. I refused to ever go out to the grave site because I didn't like the idea of visiting a body. To everybody in my family that was a big deal, to go out and visit the grave site, to take flowers. And I thought it was just a total waste of flowers and time and only caused angst.

CHARLES
Your family did everything they had always done, and that's the way it was. It didn't seem bad to them.

PENNY
Right, my interpretation that I had been living with for thirty-one years and feeling bad about said these people were bad because of the way they handled my moms death.

CHARLES
And now you can put it all out and say, this is what happened.

PENNY
I've been making myself feel bad and making them the enemy all these years and I don't have to. That was just the way it was. And I will always view it that way, but I don't have to feel bad.

CHARLES
Right. Your family didn't mean it that way. You were able to pull those circles apart and say, okay that happened. This is what I feel, I'm not going to continue to feel badly, about it, because I don't have to.

PENNY and CHARLES turn toward BRIANA who has been listening intently. Her eyes have dried and she smiles from a sense of understanding.

PENNY
Like you Briana, I too had to sit back and look at my situation. That's the way it is.

BRIANA nods collects her things and EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-STANDS -- EVENING
(DERICK, SAMUEL)

SAMUEL surrounded by a large crowd of Turbos fans rejoice as their team scores. DERICK ENTERS and notices the empty seat next to SAMUEL.

DERICK
Mind if I sit down here?

SAMUEL
Sure why not, my daughter Jessie won't be here tonight.

DERICK settles into the seat.

DERICK
Great game, looks like the Turbos could go all the way.

SAMUEL
Sure does, as long as Billy and the boys play smart hockey.

DERICK
Do you know Billy Mahern?

SAMUEL
Sure, he is my son-in law.

DERICK
Really, your Jessie's a smart girl.

SAMUEL
Sure is.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-STANDS -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, SAMUEL, DERICK)

A WHISTLE blows and the fans react to the call against Billy. SAMUEL stands and yells at the ref.

SAMUEL
Come on ref! Retaliation! What do you expect? They have been chopping at his knees all night!

SAMUEL regains his composure and sits.

DERICK
Someone need to harness Billy's fire and make use of his energy wisely.

SAMUEL looks at at a smiling DERICK perplexed.

SAMUEL
I guess.

The sound of the end o the end of period buzzer goes. SAMUEL stands and EXITS amongst the sea of fans, leaving DERICK alone.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-STANDS -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK takes out his phone and makes a call.

DERICK
I'll be back to the Landing shortly. How are my star pupils?
(pause)
Good. Maybe Briana can persuade Jessie to join us, for her sake.

DERICK stands and EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HOTEL ROOM -- EVENING
(BRIANA, JESSIE)

BRIANA sits on one bed, JESSIE on the other.

JESSIE
This conference has been a real eye opener, my head is still spinning. Maybe you can explain to me again the essential idea of the forum?

BRIANA
I would say that there is one essential idea, that is the basis of this forum. I think it's like the nut or kernel, the philosophy of the whole thing.

JESSIE
A nut? Interesting choice of words.

BRIANA
What Mr. Lawson is saying is that events in your life are actually empty and meaningless and the way to control your life and your emotions and be guided in a more productive way is to realize that the events that happen to you and around you, do not necessarily have meaning. Therefore are empty and meaningless. To me that's the core.

JESSIE
So empty and meaningless obviously stands out for you?

BRIANA
Yeah, oh, yeah. It's taken only three days and now I understand what that means in the deepest sense.

JESSIE
Okay, lets try this again, the theme of the forum is that life is empty and meaningless and that the events in life do not have meaning?

BRIANA
It's much more complicated than that. There are many aspects more aspects to it. It shows up in a variety of ways if you start looking around in your life.

JESSIE
Briana, I'm glad you grasped this whole concept of empty and meaningless, but let me tell you, yesterday I was ready to crash. All these concepts that Mr. Larson spits out must be like some kind of mental masturbation for him. He is trying to get you to think the way he does. This is just a bunch of jargon. I wish they would get on to something else that is not empty and meaningless to me. Now, I'm sorry Briana I need to get some sleep.

JESSIE turns off the lamp on the side table between the beds and rolls over.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- DAY
(DERICK, SAMANTHA)

DERICK is in the middle of his Sunday morning conference.

DERICK
If you remember back on Friday morning I asked you all to identify and relate to a specific way of being that you have. This is called your racket. Samantha what was yours?

A young women professionally dressed in her mid twenties stands with her hand raised.

SAMANTHA
My racket, is that when I am given a contract to work on I do it full of confidence, but when it's time to present it to the all male board room. I turn to jelly and loose all confidence and I end up turning all my work over to one of the guys to finish and take the credit for.

DERICK
And this cycle continually happens. By yourself you are a confident women, but when you get around men you feel that you aren't being heard. You become predictable when you are stressed. You let your racket run your life so you don't have to deal with these men.

SAMANTHA
Correct, but you have taught me how to run my racket and not to judge others on how they run their racket.

DERICK
There is technically no such thing as a racket. It's not true. I made it up. It means nothing. It exits only as a distinction to help you to come to a more profound understanding of what it is like to be human. Psychologists have given the racket another name, they call it ego. Now, lets all go for a fifteen minute break to prepare for the afternoon session.

The room begins to empty.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HOME OF SAMUEL -- EVENING
(SAMUEL)

SAMUEL answers the phone.

SAMUEL
Hello, hey Jessie, how's your weekend going?

CUT TO:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, SAMUEL)

JESSIE talks to SAMUEL in the lobby.

JESSIE
Okay. I'm at a business conference with a girl I met.
(pause)
Briana. The conference is put on by this Landing Learning Center, the one I told you about
(pause)
Okay, but I don't think it's what I'm looking for, but I'll stay and listen to what they have to say.
(pause)
Okay, great, they won! How did Jessie do?

CUT TO:

INT. HOME OF SAMUEL -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL)

SAMUEL
He got a goal and an assist, but he took a couple of cheap shot to the knees
(pause)
Nothing to worry about though. Listen, are you coming to the next game?

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, DERICK)

JESSIE
Wouldn't miss it.
(pause)
Okay say high to Billy, I tried to reach him earlier, but he must have been busy, later, bye.

JESSIE hangs up the phone. DERICK ENTERS.

DERICK
Please put your phone away and come back into the room, I'm ready to continue my next lesson.

JESSIE turns her phone off and EXITS with DERICK.

FADE OUT:

FADE

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- LATER
(BRIANA, DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE and BRIANA attend the next session. DERICK is explaining his winning formula.

DERICK
The winning formula is something you acquired when you were all very young, before puberty. It's genesis is a moment in life when you could be one but decided to be another. The winning formula is created as a response to the questions we ask ourselves when we are forced to make a decision is something wrong with this choice? Or can I be something else? A key question in discovering one's own winning formula is to identify that stressful occurrence from childhood and ask, what could I not be at that moment? Since you were young at the time, that winning formula cannot be a complex statement. Now discuss with your neighbor your individual winning formulas for a couple of minutes.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK, JESSIE)

BRIANA leans over to JESSIE and whispers as DERICK pauses in his speech.

BRIANA
What is your winning formula?

JESSIE
I have to admit, this forum has made me realize that I am always running around helping people. I guess my winning formula was to be this watchtower, this person that would solve every ones else' problems and I always focused on that in everything I did.

BRIANA
Why do you feel that way?

JESSIE
Funny, I remember I had a little picture of me when I was a kid. It was a picture of me in a little business suite holding a briefcase. How that relates, I don't know but it did. I was great in every business course that I took in school, I was even the top seller in the four h. I look back now and I realize I was destined to be leader in business and the community and I have done those things, to an extent. So I guess my winning formula then was to be this person who gives back to the community.

BRIANA
So what happened, how come you don't have your own business?

JESSIE
I don't know whether it's because my real father died at an early age and that's how I compensated for that event. But I spent so much time helping others with their problems, it didn't leave time for me to achieve what I wanted.

BRIANA
You were so busy solving other peoples problems you were deaf to your own cries for help and they were never attended to.

JESSIE
So I guess the forum made me recognize hat my winning formula was to take care of myself. I've been spending all my time helping other people and I wasn't really looking out for me. I get it now.

BRIANA
Aren't you glad you came to the forum?

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-OUTSIDE DRESSING ROOM -- EVENING
(BILLY, TEAMMATE, TEAMMATE #2, ATTACKER, BRIANA, JESSIE)

BILLY EXITS out of the dressing room. The arena is dark and empty. A TEAMMATE comes out of the room and EXITS in the opposite direction.

TEAMMATE #2
See you Billy.

BILLY
Take it easy.

BILLY begins to walk down the corridor, as he does he takes out his cell phone. TWO large dark figures step from around the corner and attack BILLY, hitting him about the knees and shoulders with bats. BILLY slumps to the ground. His phone slams to the ground. The SECOND ATTACKER poises for another shot to BILLY's knees but is halted by the FIRST.

ATTACKER
No! Don't don't we just want to send him a message.

The SECOND ATTACKER withdraws his cocked bat and the two make a retreat. BILLY lies moaning on the ground. His TEAMMATE runs in just in time to see the ATTACKERS flee.

TEAMMATE #2
Are you all right Billy?

BILLY
(in agony)
Ya, fine a little sore.

The TEAMMATE helps BILLY back up to his feet and picks up the phone off the ground and hands it back to BILLY.

TEAMMATE #2
Did you get a good look at them?

BILLY
No, thanks, I've got to go.

BILLY hobbles off in the direction of the ATTACKERS, leaving his TEAMMATE standing confused.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

JESSIE smiles at BRIANA and then diverts her eyes down word in contemplation.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

JESSIE contemplates in her own mind BRIANA'S question.

JESSIE
A couple of days ago I would have said no, get me out of here. But now, I'm not sure, maybe I needed this course, maybe I did need counseling.

DERICK'S voice breaks JESSIE'S moment of contemplation. She returns he gaze toward the front of the room.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, JESSIE)

The gathered return their attention back to DERICK waiting to continue his lecture.

DERICK
What is life like?

DERICK turns and begins to write answers on the chalk board as the gathered shout out.

DERICK
Exciting, good, what else? Difficult, scary, good William, Jessie?

DERICK turns his head around toward JESSIE.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, JESSIE)

TWO SHOT of JESSIE and DERICK.

JESSIE
Challenging

DERICK
Good

DERICK turns and writes across the list of words in bold letters.

"LIFE IS DANGEROUS"

DERICK
(slowly and deliberately)
Life is dangerous

DERICK turns back to the gathered and continues.

DERICK
What are some of the fearful events that have happened in your lives? I want you all to settle in your chairs. Get comfortable.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

The gathered sit back into their chairs and listen to DERICK'S commands.

DERICK
Close your eyes and begin a tour through your bodies, feel them.

DERICK sits down on the stage and assumes a cross legged relaxed position.

DERICK
Use your imagination, picture some emotional thing or event, notice the feelings evoked by the pictures, locate where in your bodies these feelings are being experienced. If anyone cannot genuinely imagine and feel the emotion, make one up, be an actor.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK, JESSIE)

DERICK stands and steps down off the stage and begins to walk down the isle way, watching the people doing the exercise. He STOPS in front of BRIANA.

DERICK
Good, Briana, now their are two people sitting next to you, you are terrified of them. Get that image and stay with it.

BRIANA's facial expression changes as her imagination allows he to feel the fear.

DERICK
Now, there is a whole room of people, a hundred, no a hundred and fifty! And you are absolutely terrified of them!

DERICK raises his voice as he roams the room. He shifts his focus to JESSIE.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK, JESSIE)

DERICK walks over to JESSIE sitting next to BRIANA.

DERICK
Feel the fear, Jessie!

JESSIE'S eyes begin to flutter and half open.

DERICK
Don't open your eyes! Stay with the feeling.

JESSIE'S eyes snap shut. DERICK focuses on the back of the room.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-MAIN ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK'S eyes lock on two older women sitting in the back row.

DERICK
Two hundred and fifty million peel in this nation and everyone is out to get you! You are shrieking in fear, and there is no place to hide!

DERICK pauses for dramatic effect and watches as the two women cringe in their seats.

DERICK
Vie point four billion people on this planet and you are deathly afraid of them all! There is no advocate, no one to turn to, and no place to hide. Fear and danger, pressing in on every inch of you.

Some of the gathered begin to sob and sniff.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK grabs the arms of a women in her mid twenties sitting near him and continues his assault.

DERICK
You are in a war and the enemy is taking your child away!

The WOMEN shrieks in terror and collapses. DERICK walks away from her.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, BRIANA)

DERICK steps back onto the podium and lowers the tone of his address back to a quiet level.

DERICK
Now experience this fear all the way through your body and out the other side. And on the other side, there is a joke.

The room grows silent for a moment, then two TRAINEES guarding the doors begin to chuckle. The GATHERED begin to suck back their tears.

DERICK
Now, there are two people sitting in chairs beside you. Both of them are terrified of you!

DERICK returns his gaze back to BRIANA.

BRIANA
And the joke goes on until five point four billion people on the planet are all scared to death of you as you walk down the street!

The room erupts in laughter.

DERICK
(in a rant)
I am dangerous! I have nothing to fear: while I walk through life scared of no one, they are all walking through life afraid of me.

Every ones emotions begin to settle, assistants ENTER and begin to hand out Kleenex. DERICK steps back onto the podium.

DERICK
Now please, group share your ideas about the process as I take a break.

DERICK EXITS to the side of the room.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK, JESSIE)

As DERICK EXITS, some people mon the room look around in confusion and frustrations while others have the opposite emotions, feeling refreshed and enlightened. BRIANA and JESSIE exhibit those two extremes.

BRIANA
What's wrong Jessie? Didn't you get the joke?

JESSIE
There was nothing to get? That's what I got!

BRIANA
The fear thing. That was really neat. It gave me an appreciation for how somebody like Hitler could get everyone on his wave length. It's having people go with their feelings. It was amazing. I really respect Mr. Larson, he really knows how to work a room.

JESSIE
Your right on one thing, I have to admit the fear felt real to me. The whole thing worked on me, but it doesn't change how I do or don't fear other people. My approach to people I fear was and always will be wise and well balanced.

DERICK ENTERS the room with two of his ATTENDANTS. The talking stops and the gathered turn their attention forward.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM --LATER
(DERICK)

DERICK and the two ATTENDANTS ENTER at the rear of the room and settle at a long conference table. DERICK gives instruction to them holding a stack of registration forms.

DERICK
Here, make sure everyone gets one and signs it.

The two ATTENDANTS nod.

DERICK
Thank you all my gathered and their guests for attending this weekends seminar, now please come to the rear of the room before you leave.

INT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-GATHERING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(BRIANA, DERICK, JESSIE)

The gathered begin to make their way towards DERICK BRIANA and JESSIe make their way through the crowd.

DERICK
So, I will see you two at the next seminar? Right?

BRIANA takes one of the registration cards and smiles. JESSIE tries to refused, but is stopped by a stern looking DERICK.

DERICK
You know it is important to tell your friends about the forum and bring them to your graduation.

JESSIE
Okay, I'll consider it. Now goodbye.

JESSIE pushes past DERICK. As she does we see DERICK'S face turn serious. DERICK halts BRIANA.

DERICK
Briana please stay, I will talk to you in a little while.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- EVENING
(DERICK)

DERICK storms into a small sparsely decorated office, painted in cold colors and sits at his desk. Two of his ATTENDANTS follow him in and flank either side of him. DERICK pushes the intercom button.

DERICK
Tell Briana she can come in. You two wait outside.

The two ATTENDANTS EXIT.

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER
(BRIANA, DERICK)

The door opens and a hesitant BRIANA ENTERS.

BRIANA
Mr. Larson, you asked to see me.

DERICK
Yes, Briana come sit.

BRIANA sits in a chair too the side of the desk.

DERICK
How are you Briana, is the business doing well?

BRIANA
Yes sir, the store is really catching on, thank you sir for the opportunity.

DERICK
Your welcome, I see by this months commissions your doing okay, you can do better. Now, I want to ask you some questions about your friend Jessie.

BRIANA
Jessie? What about her?

DERICK
She is your guest and your responsible for getting her to sign up for new seminars, she hasn't. Is there a problem?

BRIANA
(nervous)
Uh, no, I mean, I asked her to come, but she said she didn't have the money.

DERICK
Didn't you offer to loan it to her?

BRIANA
Of course, but she said she wasn't really interested in your offer, she found a job in a restaurant.

DERICK
A restaurant? And how full filling does she think that will be?

BRIANA
I don't know sir.

DERICK
I'm very disappointed in you Briana, I think it's time you enrol in a rundown session, starting tonight.

BRIANA
What's a rundown session?

DERICK
I have audited your application and I think that your past relationship with your father, the abuse and rape allegations have caused deeper mental scars than first diagnosed. So I have prescribed a one week introspection rundown session for you to commence immediately.

BRIANA
What do you mean? I feel fine.

DERICK
Briana, don't argue with me. You are a very sick person and I don't want you to get any worse, this is for your own good.

DERICK presses the intercom.

DERICK
Come in.

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, BRIANA)

The two ATTENDANTS ENTER.

DERICK
Take her to her isolation room.

The two ATTENDANTS step forward and position themselves on either side of BRIANA. They hook their arms under hers and lift her from her chair.

BRIANA
(confused and scared)
Can I call my father first!

DERICK
Don't worry I already have, he knows where you are and what I am doing, he sends all his love.

The ATTENDANTS EXIT with a scared BRIANA. DERICK'S face shows a look of pleasure.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- AFTERNOON
(BILLY, COACH)

BILLY and his TURBO'S teammates are on the ice practicing. The COACH stands at the blue line in the center of two lines of his players.

COACH
Okay, listen up. In Quebec they emphasize an offensive game. One defense men is always sent high in the neutral zone when they come out of their own end. You need to keep an eye on him, don't let them establish the long pass. If you don't control the zone, you will get burned two on one or even three on one. This offensive system only works if they can gain the center of the ice , cut it off and you force them to dump it up the boards. Force the pass. They have an inexperience blue line, take advantage, force the pass. This will cause them to make mistakes. Line up and lets practice this. Green and blue team, your up first. Are you listening Billy?

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

BILLY looking distracted nods as he joins the blue squad lining up opposite the green squad at center ice. The other two squads of three forwards in yellow and red, plus a pair of defense men in white skate to the boards.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS

The green team defense men start out the play, passing the puck across to his defense partner who proceeds to skate forward to a position between the blue line and red line.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY) THE GREEN TEAM RIGHT WINGER HEADS DOWN THE RIGHT SIDE AND IS HELD CLOSE BY THE BLUE TEAM RIGHT WINGER. THE GREEN TEAM CENTER, SKATES LEFT, HELD BY THE BLUE CENTER.

The green team left winger skates past BILLY the blue team left winger as BILLY takes up position on the green team defense men rushing up on the play. The green left winger is held by the blue team left defense men. The second blue team defense men hangs back.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

TIGHT, on BILLY as he positions himself off the boards. The pass from the green team defense men skips off the boards over BILLY'S stick. The green defense men positioned high, grabs the puck and continues down the ice.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(COACH)

The COACH blows his whistle in anger.

COACH
(angry)
What the hell was that! Keep your body against the boards! You can't stop the pass with your stick! Come on, you learned that in midget for Christs sake! Next!

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, PLAYER)

BILLY slams his stick into the boards as his teammates skate past him with a look of concern. One stops and throws his hand on BILLY'S shoulder.

PLAYER
Billy want to talk?

BILLY
It's nothing, something I have to get out of my head.

PLAYER
Do it quick, we need you.

BILLY taps the on the shin pads in a show of thanks.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(COACH, BILLY)

A whistle blows.

COACH
(angry)
BILLY hustle!

BILLY regains his composure and breaks up the next squads drill by intercepting the pass. He then proceeds to skate in on the empty net and sends a slap shot into the upper corner to the delight of his teammates who whistle and slap their sticks on the ice.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-STANDS -- MOMENTS LATER
(BILLY, DERICK)

PAN up to the stands high above the ice to a dark corner where DERICK stands watching BILLY.

DERICK
That's it Billy, think of me, think of your sweet Jessie. Think of the scouts watching your every move. So much weighing down on your burdened mind. It's only a matter of time before I control you.

DERICK laughs to himself.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- NIGHT
(BRIANA, DERICK)

A grey, sterile room sparsely decorated with only a metal hospital bed. BRIANA sits on the bed. Her eyes are swollen and red from crying and lack of sleep. Two ATTENDANTS ENTER, followed by DERICK.

DERICK
It's been three days, are you ready to tell me your answer.

BRIANA
I don't know.

DERICK
Let me remind you of the question that I asked. What can you guarantee me of you are let out of isolation?

BRIANA
I just want to go back and run my shop, that's all.

DERICK
I'm sorry, Briana, but your not ready to come out of isolation yet.

BRIANA
What do you mean, what am I supposed to say?

DERICK
The rundown will be over when you recognize the cause of your psychotic break. I'll leave you to think.

BRIANA becomes angry and tries to stand, but the ATTENDANTS grab her and throw her back onto the bed.

DERICK
(annoyed)
Leave her! Don't do this Briana, it wouldn't be wise.

DERICK waves at the ATTENDANTS to leave.Derick gives an angry look back towards Briana and then EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
(ATTENDANT, DERICK)

An angry DERICK EXITS BRIANA'S room and begins to shout at the ATTENDANT.

DERICK
Get a hold of the brats father and make it clear to the drunk that unless he wishes too no longer see his daughter, he needs to wire us a money order for another training session.

The ATTENDANT nods and EXITS. TIGHT on DERICK.

DERICK
Sum people never learn.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. OUTSIDE ISOLATION ROOM -- MORNING
(BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK ENTERS carrying a banana. BRIANA has a small contusion on her nose and her eyes are deeply sunken.

DERICK
Are you ready to give me your answer?

BRIANA
I wish to leave.

DERICK
You don't look well Briana they tell me you don't sleep much.

BRIANA tries to stand and get out of bed.

BRIANA
How can I sleep? Look at this place.

DERICK grabs a hold of BRIANA and sits her back down.

DERICK
(angry)
Sit down! You need your rest. I see you have injured yourself. I will get someone to look at your nose. Now lay back and remain quiet. Here's a banana, please try to eat.

DERICK places the banana on the foot of the bed, turns and EXITS. BRIANA picks up the banana and angrily smashes it into the wall.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- EVENING
(BRIANA)

BRIANA sits on the bed, rocking back and forth. She is talking out loud the doctrine drilled into her head, as she eats a small dish of spaghetti with her hands.

BRIANA
I created time three billion years ago and now I am dramatizing it since then, I am Derick Larson and I didn't confront it because I didn't confront that power, I can't confront force. I am dramatizing it. I have am Um. I was one point one. What my chronicle tone level is...

BRIANA stops showing the signs of fatigue from the mental and physical abuse. Feeling obliged to continue.

BRIANA
I decimated my friends, but they didn't get handled. As I didn't confront force. I want to dance. I need my mentor. I need to confront my friends.

PAN to the small glass window out towards a church tower with clock which reads 3 o'clock.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- AFTERNOON
(DERICK, BRIANA)

DERICK sits on a small chair, holding a note pad.

DERICK
Please, Briana sit down.

BRIANA walks around the room in a robotlike like state, stiff with a blank stare toward DERICK.

BRIANA
You are me and you are controlling my body.

DERICK
Please, your not making sense, stop starring at the wall, sit and eat your tuna sandwich then take your vitamins.

BRIANA
(hostile)
What vitamins! Those are mind control drugs!

DERICK
No they are not, what's bothering you Briana?

BRIANA
(starring up at the lights)
Daddy, I want to go to the party.

DERICK
Briana? Over here.

BRIANA
(turning towards, DERICK)
I have to follow the light, as light is live.

BRIANA begins to count on her fingers and starts pointing toward a spot on the other side of the room.

DERICK
Here have a cup of water.

DERICK holds out the cup of water, BRIANA takes it and throws it on the floor.

DERICK
Did this frighten you?

BRIANA
No, I'm not afraid.

DERICK
Good, here take your vitamins and some banana.

BRIANA takes the three small pills from the plastic cup that DERICK hands her and shoves them into her mouth, followed by a piece of banana. She chews and swallows. But after a couple of seconds she throws up, some of it splashes on DERICK.

DERICK
(annoyed)
Christ.

DERICK stands up and knocks on the heavy isolation room door. Two ATTENDANTS ENTER.

DERICK
Clean her up and get her to drink some water, I'll be back later.

The ATTENDANTS nod and DERICK EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- MORNING
(ATTENDANT, BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK walks into the room. An ATTENDANT watches over a sleeping BRIANA.

DERICK
How long has she been asleep?

ATTENDANT
Eight hours or more. I arrived on watch at one am and she was sleeping then.

DERICK
Id she wake up at all?

ATTENDANT
She woke up for a short period at a time, like fifteen seconds and then fell asleep again.

DERICK
Has she said anything?

ATTENDANT
She's been talking in her sleep, mainly thank you.

DERICK
Has she taken her vitamins.

ATTENDANT
I got her to take twenty milligrams of Prozac and half a milligram of Clonazepam.

DERICK
Good, they will keep her calm and under control. Has she admitted her wrong doings.

ATTENDANT
She told me that she has had bad manners and this resulted in bad consequences. She then asked me if someone was behind the door.

DERICK
What did you tell her?

ATTENDANT
I made her understand there was nobody there and she was fine.

DERICK
Good keep up the good work, I'll be right back to relieve you.

DERICK EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- EVENING
(BRIANA, DERICK, ATTENDANT)

A commotion can be heard mo BRIANa's room. DERICK rushes in to find BRIANA being forcibly restrained to her bed by two ATTENDANTS. The chair is over turned and the remains of her food tray is thrown all over the wall.

DERICK
(angry)
What the hell happened!

ATTENDANT
(sporting a bloody nose)
The little bitch threw a punch at me and hit me in the nose!

BRIANA
(screaming)
Let me go! I want to leave now! Let me phone a lawyer now!

DERICK
(annoyed)
Strap her down and clean this mess up! Briana! This will only prolong your therapy.

BRIANA
(irate)
I didn't need therapy until I came here, your the devil!

DERICK
No, but I did make you.

DERICK angrily starts to EXIT, then turns back, takes two pills out of his pocket and throws them on the bed.

DERICK
(to the ATTENDANTS)
Make sure she takes these, even if you have to force them down her throat.

DERICK hands a packet of two pills to one of the ATTENDANTS and EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- DAY
(BRIANA)

BRIANA's condition worsens dramatically. She is visibly weak, she is dressed in only a tee-shirt and shorts with no socks on her feet. She shakes from fever. Her skin looks like she has measles or chicken pox. A nurse attends to BRIANA, mashing two capsules of Velerian Root into a dish of banana flavored baby food and tries to get her to eat. BRIANA places a spoon full into her mouth and spits them out all over her self.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
(concerned)
Briana, don't do this, give them what they want.

BRIANA
(defiant)
Never! Jessie is a friend of mine, I won't betray her!

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
I'm sorry to hear that, here take your medication, it will help you sleep.

BRIANA takes the pills into her shaking hands and painfully swallows with the help of a cup of tea. In a matter of seconds she lays back down and shivers in a fetal position.

CUT TO:

INT. OUTSIDE BRIANA'S INTERROGATION ROOM -- DAY
(ATTENDANT, DERICK)

DERICK ENTERS and walks up to the ATTENDANT standing guard at BRIANA'S door.

DERICK
Has she calmed down.

ATTENDANT
She's been quieter, she had about three hours sleep last night. She's lost a lot of weight.

DERICK
She's fine, continue force feeding her the protein shakes and the vitamins.

CUT TO:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- MORNING
(ATTENDANT, BRIANA, DERICK)

DERICK ENTERS and helps an ATTENDANT prop a weak BRIANA up in her bed. The aTTENDANT proceeds to cut BRIANA'S finger nails. BRIANA has scratches and abrasions all over her body and on her elbows and knees are pressure sores. None of these are opened our infected.

DERICK
Increase her dosage of Clonazepam to one and a half milligrams, that will put her out. She needs to sleep.

ATTENDANT
Yes, sir.

DERICK
The finances for her care ran out last night. I told security to call her father to get more this morning.

ATTENDANT
I can buy some soy milk from the canteen and mix them with some protein powder and yogurt. That would do until the money arrives.

DERICK
Fine, now I have to leave.

DERICK EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- NIGHT
(BRIANA)

BRIANA awakes and tries to stand, but falls to the floor in the darkness and moans from the pain.

BRIANA
(confused)
Where am I?

BRIANA is now completely covered in bruises and scratches. She shakes uncontrollably.

BRIANA
Why do these psyches want to kill me.

BRIANA crawls towards a sweater lying on the floor a few inches in front of her. She puts it on and exhales in relief.

BRIANA
God, thank you.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- LATER

The NURSE/SARAH MARSH ENTERS BRIANA'S room to find her sleeping.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
(whispering)
Briana are you hungry?

The NURSE/SARAH MARSH moves the stringy, long hair away from BRIANA's face and notices a bad infection.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
Christ, I'm taking you too the hospital.

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-DRIVE AWAY -- LATER
(BRIANA, ATTENDANT)

Two ATTENDANTS place a lifeless BRIANA into the back seat of the NURSES car, who stand nervously behind.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
(to one of the ATTENDANTS)
Tell Mr. Larson that Briana was not responding when I tried to wake her so I am taking her to the hospital for treatment.

ATTENDANT
He won't be happy.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
I'm trained to seek treatment when a patient needs it, unless he wants to answer to the authorities, I need to get her to the hospital now. Now! One of you get in the other go! Now!

The first ATTENDANT EXITS. The second ATTENDANT gets into the passenger seat. The NURSE/SARAH MARSH quickly speeds away.

CUT TO:

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM -- LATER
(DOCTOR MANN)

The NURSE/SARAH MARSH sits looking apprehensive as DOCTOR MANN ENTERS.

DOCTOR MANN
(angry)
What the hell happened to that girl?

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
When I found her she was gasping and her breath was labored. I knew she was in trouble so I brought her here. On the way here my assistant worked on her for twenty minutes trying it resuscitate her using CPR. Is she okay?

DOCTOR MANN
(somber)
She's dead. She was covered in infections, now tell me the truth.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
I don't know what happened.

DOCTOR MANN
(disgusted)
Fine, but believe me, someone will pay for what was done to that girl.

DOCTOR MANN gives a look of disgust and EXITS, leaving the NURSE/SARAH MARSH to hang her head.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DOCTOR MANN'S OFFICE -- LATER
(DOCTOR MANN, POLICE OFFICER)

DOCTOR MANN gives his report to a POLICE OFFICER as the NURSE/SARAH MARSH sits apprehensively nearby.

DOCTOR MANN
When I examined the victim only as Briana, I found marks on her which are indicative of the onset of infection. There were infectious discolors to the flesh under the skin and bruises to her hands and feet.

POLICE OFFICER
Do you know what could have caused these discolorations.

DOCTOR MANN
I believe she was in acute stages of meningitis.

POLICE OFFICER
Do you know of a next of kin?

DOCTOR MANN
No, I asked this women who brought her in, but she said she didn't know the deceased address, social insurance number, phone number or next of kin. Only that her name was Briana.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
(nervously injects)
I...was just the one who drove her to the hospital...I forgot to grab her purse and ID...I was in a hurry...understandably, right?

POLICE OFFICER
Well, Miss, I suggest you get all this information ready for when the coroner calls, he will want to know what happened. Now excuse me. Doctor Mann, I will be in touch.

The POLICE OFFICER closes his memo pad and EXITS in disgust followed by DOCTOR MANN The NURSE/SARAH MARSH hangs her head and looks worried.

FADE OUT:

INT. GUN CLUB -- EVENING
(DERICK)

TIGHT on DERICK as he and a male companion take target practice. DERICK using a Beretta makes small talk at first and then the conversation becomes more serious.

DERICK
It's so nice to get out for a change, isn't that right Lawrence?

PULL OUT, to reveal LAWRENCE in profile amongst the shadows cast by the low lighting. A ball cap and safety glasses further hide his appearance.

MAN/LAWRENCE
Sir sir, you deserve a couple hours for your self.

DERICK
Your right. I've had this new Beretta in the box for five months. I can't believe I've been so busy with the church.

MAN/LAWRENCE
How does it feel?

DERICK
(smiling)
Incredible! Great balance, little kick back and the power for it's size can't be beat. Not like that cop gun pea shooter you got. Let me hook you up with my supplier, he can get you anything you want. No papers, no serial numbers, nothing.

MAN/LAWRENCE
Sounds great. It's a shame Canadian gun laws don't allow a man to protect himself?

TIGHT, SINGLE on DERICK for his reaction.

DERICK
(serious)
No liberal gutless cowards, law is going to tell me I can't protect myself against all the followers of an unjust god who wishes to see me dead.

DERICK smiles with satisfaction as he squeezes the trigger of his gun. The bullet hits the target in the bulls eye. Five other shots ring the center in a tight spread.

FADE OUT:
FADE IN:

INT. CORONERS OFFICE -- DAY
(CORONER, DERICK)

DERICK is being interviewed by the CORONER, DERICK shows a calm, arrogant demeanor.

DERICK
My Nurse started treatment on Briana for her aggressive tenancies one week ago Wednesday. She started at four pm and was with her until one thirty on Thursday.

CORONER
You say she was being treated for aggressive tenancies. Was she being violent during all this time?

DERICK
While my nurse was with her, Briana was not violent, she tried to trip my nurse a couple of times, but no real aggression.

CORONER
What was she being fed during this time?

DERICK
She ate small meals and was taking vitamins and medication at the time. She was very active at the time and was moving around a lot.

CORONER
Did she ever become violent?

DERICK
Yes, the next day when I was with her, Briana became very violent. I had to hold her down and force her to take some aspirin and a sleeping pill

CORONER
And then what happened?

DERICK
Three days later, my nurse returned to the room and found Briana pale, weak and lethargic. She attempted to give her food, but Briana refused to eat.

CORONER
Explain to me the bruises that where found?

DERICK
Briana got those from kicking the metal rails of the bed and hitting the walls.

CORONER
On the thirteenth of the month your nurse said she noticed that the victim was not walking around much and complained to her of a sore jaw and throat. As well, she noticed she had dropped a lot of weight. Tell me what happened?

DERICK
I don't know, when my attendant arrived Briana was sleeping. He started to clean up the room, Briana woke up and became agitated, and started to slap him several times

CORONER
Did your attendant ever make contact with the victim?

DERICK
My attendant pushed her arms back down to her sides. Briana was incoherent and rambling. She then got sick and threw up. The attendant got scared and called me. I came and told him to clean her up and put her back in bed.

CORONER
Tell me what happened the night Briana died.

DERICK
My nurse noticed Briana was septic and had bruises on her body which she said looked infected. She decided to take Briana to the hospital. She noticed briana had lost a lot of weight. When she tried to move her, Briana complained she hurt, but wasn't hostile. With the help of two attendants my nurse lifted Briana into her car and drove the forty five minutes to the hospital.

CORONER
How did your nurse describe Briana's condition on the way to the hospital?

DERICK
Briana's breathing would get very fast and harsh for ten to fifteen seconds and then go back down.

CORONER
Was Briana alive when she arrived at the hospital?

DERICK
Yes, my nurse said she had some circulation from the way her skin looked. It wasn't until later that she was told Briana had died, in the the care of your doctor.

CORONER
(disgusted)
Thank you. We will be in touch with you at a later time.

DERICK makes no acknowledgement, stands and smugly EXITS.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. THE OLIVE GROVE RESTAURANT -- EARLY EVENING
(DERICK, JESSIE, CHEF)

DERICK ENTERS the upscale restaurant to find JESSIE setting up a banquet table. DERICK neatly dressed in a business suit, clean shaven. He strides over to JESSIE and whispers in a menacing tone.

DERICK
Jessie, it's so nice to see you. So this is where you work. You could do so much better.

JESSIE
(defiant)
It's a nice place, unlike your cult. Now what do you want?

DERICK
Such hostility, I think you need to come back to the Landing so that we can help you isolate your anger and defeat it.

JESSIE
(angry, raises her voice)
You bastard!

A couple dining at a nearby table notices the tone of the conversation and looks over. JESSIE smiles at the couple and returns her gaze to DERICK.

JESSIE
(whispering)
You bastard, you killed Briana, you put her in that isolation room for a month, pumped her full of drugs and starved her. I know! I read what you did!

DERICK
You shouldn't believe everything you read. I have many enemies who don't understand all that I have achieved. Just because I don't have a white coat or a fancy downtown office, doesn't mean my treatments aren't revolutionary.

JESSIE
Your sick, you should be locked up for life. I hope I get the chance to tell a courtroom what you did to Briana. She told me everything!

DERICK
Do I need to remind you, that I have a non-disclosure contract with your name on it. Others have tried to tell their stories and after I financially ruined them, they all crawled back to me begging. So how much does daddy have? I don't think you make enough here to fight me.

JESSIE
Get out! Now!

JESSIE'S boss ENTERS in a chefs uniform from the kitchen.

CHEF
Jessie is something wrong?

JESSIE
(flustered)
No, chef, it's just...

DERICK
(interjecting, smugly)
Chef? No, nothing wrong, your fine Jessie here was excited to here that I plan to dine here a lot, so I can keep an eye on my star pupil.

Turning back towards Jessie.

DERICK
Jessie, I will see you later. Remember what I said, our secrets must remain just that, a secret. Excuse me.

DERICK starts to EXIT towards the door past the CHEF.

DERICK
Chef, you have a wonderful place here. I look forward to trying your cuisine. Goodbye.

DERICK smiles as he passes a confused CHEF and EXITS. JESSIE runs into the back, visibly shaken, but trying to keep it together.

FADE OUT:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- EVENING
(DERICK, BILLY)

DERICK sits in a small office, staring at a computer screen, twirling a pen.

DERICK
So my young naive, you think I have committed a crime and I am the leader of a cult. I think you my sweet Jessie, are the one who has committed a crime, against yourself. You are covering for someone who has committed a terrible crime.

PAN out to reveal a computer screen it a newspaper report entitled,

"Oshawa Phenom' Billy Mahern Set To Be Drafted #1"

TIGHT on DERICK'S face.

DERICK
Billy Mahern, superstar. I wonder what you are hiding and don't want the world to find out.

DERICK clicks on the next page button on the screen. A new screen loads, a police report. Caption reads,

"December 20, 2003. Billy Mahern was arrested by Port police after a report from an unnamed fifteen year old girl...

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BILLY'S ROOM -- EVENING
(BILLY, DERICK, YOUNG GIRL, TEAMMATE)

BILLY and several of his hockey teammates surround a YOUNG GIRL in the hotel corridor outside his room. DERICK continues his narration of the newspaper report leading into the action.

DERICK
...indicated that sixteen year old Mr. Mahern and several of his teammates ranging from sixteen to eighteen surrounded her...

The boys laugh and try to persuade the girl.

BILLY
So how about it, want to come in.

YOUNG GIRL
No thanks, I've got to go.

An arm comes across the girls face and eyes, we see a group of blurry figures.

BILLY
Come on didn't you have fun?

YOUNG GIRL
Ya, sure, but...

BILLY is cropped from the neck down.

BILLY
(angry)
Look, I know your type you like to hang around hockey players so you can tell your friends how much a big shot you are, now come in.

BILLY turns to his teammates and smiles.

BILLY
(taunting)
We will make you a legend.

BILLY tries to force the girl into the room.

YOUNG GIRL
Look, no, I want to go!

BILLY
(irate)
Bitch! Grab her guys.

Two of BILLY'S teammates grab an arm of the girl. BILLY behind her begins to unbutton her shirt. When he reaches the last button he forcibly lifts her skirt and reaches for her panties. Another smaller steps from the room adjacent and notices the girl crying and tries to intervene.

YOUNG TEAMMATE
Hey! Let her go Bill!

Billy, annoyed drops the girls skirt and brushes through his other teammates towards the .

BILLY
Mind your own business faggot, what's wrong, upset we didn't invite you, sorry we don't do guys.

BILLY in profile turns and laughs towards his teammates and then turns back.

BILLY
Incase you get any stupid ideas, let me remind you who is the leader of this team.

BILLY hauls off and punches the smaller boy in the nose.

CUT TO:

INT. DERICK'S OFFICE -- EVENING
(DERICK)

DERICK grins widely as her continues his narration of the report.

DERICK
At which the accuser was let go and told to get lost. Imagine if this ever got into the hands of the press. They would have a field day with this. Billy, you bad, dirty boy, you shouldn't try to hide your past. I could have helped you and your precious Jessie.
(angry)
Don't mess with me!

DERICK hits the send e-mail button with the send to line addressed to "Toronto Star"

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- MORNING
(JESSIE, BILLY)

JESSIE angrily waves "The Toronto Star" newspaper open to the headline "Lid Blown Off Oshawa Stars Past"

JESSIE
(angry)
How could you have done this?

BILLY
I didn't, that story is false.

JESSIE
(angry)
Don't lie to me Billy!, tell me what happened!

BILLY
Look, yes I was there, but that girl made a mistake I didn't attack her.

JESSIE
(flustered)
Please, tell me what happened, tell me the truth.

BILLY
That night, myself and a few of the guys chipped in and got one of the older guys to get some beer. We all decided to go back to my room. So...

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BILLY'S ROOM -- EVENING
(BILLY, YOUNG GIRL, BILL)

BILLY and several of his teammates surround a YOUNG GIRL. BILLY opens his door.

BILLY
So how about it, want to come in?

YOUNG GIRL
No thanks I've really got to go.

BILLY
Come on guys she doesn't want to, I'll see you guys in the morning for breakfast.

BILLY looks toward the guy standing behind the YOUNG GIRL. We now see that he is of similar build and height as BILLY but a couple years older. He has his arm draped around the girls face. His large hands cover her eyes, his arm covers on ear. BILLY, standing in front pushes past BILL and his two teammates holding her arms.

BILLY
Bill, let her go, and come in, the coach will be pissed.

BILLY EXITS into the room and attempts to shut the door. BILL annoyed puts his foot between the door and the jam stopping it from closing. BILL screams at BILLY.

BILL
Wimp!

BILL turns back towards the YOUNG GIRL.

BILL
So how about it? Want to come in?

YOUNG GIRL
No.

BILL
Come on, didn't you have fun?

YOUNG GIRL
Ya sure, but...

BILL
(angry)
Look, I know your type, you like to hang around hockey players so you can tell your friends how much a big shot you are, now come in!

BILL glances at his teammates with a big grin.

BILL
We will make you a legend.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- DAY
(BILLY, JESSIE)

BILLY
It was Bill Shawnfield who tried to assault her. Bill's a little bigger than me. He had his arm almost covering her whole head, she couldn't have seen or hear go back into the room. All she heard was someone yell out Bill, stop it. We found out in the morning that it was Tilly, a first year kid, just up from the East Coast. The kid was only a hundred and fifty pounds. Shawnie made a mess out of his nose, the kid was sent back down a week later.

JESSIE
So, why didn't you say anything to the cops?

BILLY
They didn't have enough to prosecute anyway, so I thought why get Shawnie in more trouble then he was already in. He was on probation from the league for fighting, this would have meant the end of his career.

JESSIE
So you took the war so this bastard could continue to play.

BILLY
I know it was dumb. Look Shawnie got kicked out of the league anyway and the girl dropped the charges. The arrest will be stricken from my record when I turn eighteen in a couple of months.

JESSIE
I'm sorry, I believe you.

JESSIE hugs BILLY. TIGHT on BILLY'S face.

BILLY
I know, but what gets me is the fact that this was a sealed report, how did this get into the hands of the press.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- DAY
(CARL, SAMUEL)

SAMUEL is on a speaker phone to a fellow Lawyer friend Carl at the Better Business Bureau.

SAMUEL
Hey, Carl has the Better Business Bureau ever heard of a guy named Derick Larson?

CARL
Larson? Something familiar about that name, but nothing off the top of my head. Why?

SAMUEL
My stepdaughter Jessie started working for this guy and I don't know something doesn't seem right about this guy.

CUT TO:

INT. CARL'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(CARL, SAMUEL)

Carl sits at his computer terminal typing in the information that Samuel requested. He two has his speaker phone on.

CARL
Kind of like fathers intuition?

SAMUEL
(laughing)
Yea, you could say that, I love that kid and her mother I wouldn't want to happen to them.

CARL
I hear you, well let me look, do you have a business name or an address?

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL)

SAMUEL
Nothing, but Jessie mentioned something about this guy offering small interest free business loans. Is that a help?

CUT TO:

INT. CARL'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(CARL, SAMUEL)

CARL perks up, switches the call over to his phone headset, stands and walks over to a filing cabinet in the corner.

CARL
Okay, that's a start, this guy would have to have a licence.

CARL opens the filing cabinet, leafs through the files until he comes to the appropriate one which he pulls out and opens.

CARL
Lets have a look.
(pause)
That's funny? Larson you said?

SAMUEL
(puzzled)
Yes, Derick Larson, what do you have?

CARL
It isn't a loan office that he is running, this should be in a different file. I have one application from a Derick Larson asking to be incorporated.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL, CARL)

SAMUEL
What's unusual about that?

CARL
Incorporated as a church.

SAMUEL sits strait up in his chair.

SAMUEL
Wait a minute, what kind of church asks to be incorporated!

CUT TO:

INT. CARL'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(CARL, SAMUEL)

CARL
(surprised)
The alternate kind. The business name is the Landing Learning Center. We denied his application.

SAMUEL
Why?

CARL
The Landing learning Center is a shell organization set up by the Church of the Holy Devine.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL)

SAMUEL
You mean the cult run by Howard E. Lansing, the former minister charged with six counts for murder in Germany. How is he still operating? Everyone involved in that cult was arrested and the place shut down.

CUT TO:

INT. CARL'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(CARL)

CARL walks back to his desk with the file and sits down.

CARL
That doesn't mean that one of his followers couldn't set up a business in this country and start up all over again. Hey you aren't worried about Jessie falling for this Larson guy's mumbo jumbo?

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL, CARL)

SAMUEL rests his face in his hands, sighs with worry.

SAMUEL
(worried)
I don't know Carl, but hey thanks, I'll keep in touch.

CARL
No problem buddy. Goodbye.

SAMUEL clicks off the speaker phone and stands from the desk and EXITS in a hurry.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. CITY STREET -- DAY
(DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE walks casually down the street. A black sedan with tinted windows slowly approaches from behind JESSIE pays little attention, until the car slows in front of her. The rear passenger window winds down several inches to reveal DERICK.

DERICK
Good morning Jessie.

JESSIE
Piss of jerk!

DERICK
No need for that kind of language, I think need to talk, get in.

The car stops and DERICK opens the door and slides over. JESSIE stops and stands back of the open door.

JESSIE
(annoyed)
No hell in way am I getting in. Tell me from their what you want.

DERICK
Here.

DERICK removes a stack of documents from a file folder and holds them out so JESSIE can see them. The first document so an income tax return with the name "Samuel Bradshaw" printed on it. JESSIE looks on with interest.

DERICK
Now get in.

CUT TO:

INT. DERICK'S TOWN CAR -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, DERICK)

JESSIE gets into the car hesitantly.

JESSIE
(annoyed)
What the hell are you doing with Sam's income tax statements? How did you get them?

DERICK
It seems that good old Samuel Matthew Bradshaw has been asking questions about me and the Landing down at the Better Business Bureau.

JESSIE
So what?

DERICK
I don't like people who get nosy, so I had a member of my church who runs a little finance company, obtain some information on your step dad. I think you might be interested.

JESSIE
Look, I'm not interested how you lied to to get that information. Besides, there's nothing in their incriminating. Sam's law business is one of the most respected firms in the city and he has the awards to prove it.

DERICK
Relay. Does the names S and B shipping or S and B Investing or how about S and B Manufacturing ring a bell?

JESSIE
No should they?

DERICK starts to turn each page of the stack of documents as he talks. We see the headers of each page.

DERICK
S and B Shipping, a company with a net worth of three million, but says here they lost one hundred thousand last year. S and B investing, holdings of a quarter million, but a reported loss of, hmmm fifty thousand and S and B manufacturing, gross sales of only fifty thousand, but a business overhead deduction in excess of one hundred and fifty thousand. How is this possible?

JESSIE
What is this S and B Manufacturing have to do with Sam, look, I'm leaving!

JESSIE attempts to EXIT the car but is stopped by DERICK physically.

DERICK
Don't play stupid, little girl S and B? Samuel Bradshaw. Your step dad set up these shell companies to hide his millions.

DERICK quickly flips through the remaining stack of papers.

DERICK
Look, Jessie these are bank statement. Swiss bank accounts, here's an account from the Cayman Islands for a supply company with his name on it!

DERICK takes out a stack of check stubs from the next file folder.

DERICK
Look, check stubs. All made out to one Samuel Bradshaw. Your step-father has been skimming millions from his clients and setting up these companies to hide it all.

JESSIE
(angry)
You bastard! Why are you doing this! You sent that old story on Billy to the press, but you forgot to read the retraction that paper was forced to write when they found out the truth. Now your making this crap up about Sam why? Because I won't join your cult! Is this why you Briana!

DERICK becomes noticeably annoyed and places his hand over Jessie's mouth in an attempt to quiet her. With the other hand he waves the documents.

DERICK
(irate)
Listen you bitch! I don't run any cult! Everybody who has veered to cross me has paid! And so will you!

JESSIE'S eyes show complete terror. DERICK turns his head toward the driver.

DERICK
Drive!

The car pulls away from the curb. DERICK releases his grasp on JESSIE. JESSIE curls up into the corner in terror and begins to shake and cry.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. APARTMENT OF SARAH MARSH -- EVENING
(POLICE OFFICER, TORONTO POLICE OFFICER)

TWO TORONTO POLICE OFFICERS followed by a tactical squad burst through the door of the startled NURSE (SARAH MARSH).

TORONTO POLICE OFFICER
Sarah Marsh, you are under arrest for the murder of Briana Hanson.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
What? No! I tried to save her!

TORONTO POLICE OFFICER
She was in your direct care according to one, Derick Larson. She was admitted to the hospital with severe bruising and suffering from malnutrition. You beat and starved that girl to death.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
Larson told you that? Why? I was only following his orders.

TORONTO POLICE OFFICER
Following orders? We've heard that one before. Now, you have the right to remain silent...

The OFFICER continues reading SARAH her rights as he and the other OFFICERS EXIT the apartment.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. AN ABANDONED WAREHOUSE -- EVENING
(DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE is led into a living area of the warehouse by DERICK'S DRIVER, followed by DERICK. The warehouse contains only several rows of cots. JESSIE is forced to sit onto one of the cots.

DERICK
You come from a family of affluence, but yet you feel lost, unable to live up to their level of achievement. You are questioning your abilities. This is causing an intense inner struggle. In your mind you are a rejection of everything you're parents wanted for you. This is why your father left your mother. And then he killed himself and so will Sam. You are a lost soul. I can put a stop to your world of insanity.

JESSIE
(confused)
That's all a bunch of crap! Now let me go! Or I will call the cops and tell them all the things you have done!

DERICK
I've already talked to the cops. They have nothing on me. I tried to offer your friend free counseling. I tried to save her but in the end, she just wanted to die. Now I want to help you. You will stay here, you will be given a job and receive all the benefits the Landing has to offer free of charge. All you have to do is give yourself to us.

JESSIE
And what if I don't wish to stay?

DERICK
That isn't an option.

DERICK is irate, turning to his DRIVER

DERICK
Stay here and watch her until it's time for her first session. Let her call her boyfriend, but watch her!

JESSIE shakes nervously as the DRIVER grabs her purse and pulls out her cell phone and hands it to JESSIE. DERICK EXITS.

CUT TO:

INT. AN ABANDONED WAREHOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, JESSIE)

JESSIE looks off CAMERA towards the DRIVER as she uses her cell phone to call BILLY.

JESSIE
(nervous)
Hey Billy, ya, I'm fine listen, I haven't got much time left on my cell phone so don't say anything. I won't be home this weekend, I've decided to head up to Ottawa and visit Cathy, you know my friend from Brandon. We met at the wedding, she was Terry Barretts date. Anyway, do me a favor, phone the restaurant and tell them I won't be in on Sunday, just in case I don't get back. Oh good luck next week, love you.

JESSIE hangs up the phone. It is immediately taken from her. We hear the DRIVERS footsteps as he walks away. Then the sound of a heavy door closing. JESSIE slumps onto the bed.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. JAIL CELL -- EVENING
(DERICK)

SARAH makes her only call allowed to DERICK.

NURSE/SARAH MARSH
(crying)
How could you! I didn't kill anyone! You where the one in charge! You did all this!

CUT TO:

INT. DINNING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK sits alone at a table full of an array of fine foods. He picks at some fruit as he talks to SARAH.

DERICK
(annoyed)
What? Calm down Miss Marsh. Look, I will talk to the police for now just calm down and keep your big mouth shut. I don't need any more visits from any police. I've got a business to run. Goodbye!

DERICK tosses the phone down and smiles as he digs into a roast chicken.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. CLASSROOM -- MORNING
(DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE ENTERS a small drab room in which a half dozen other young people in the same age range as JESSIE sit. These people are dressed in drab, tattered clothing. DERICK stands at the head of the room. JESSIE is seated a school desk.

DERICK
You are all here because each of you exhibit the symptoms indicative of suppressive person's disorder. You all are anti-social nobodies who have committed great crimes against humanity and have lived many lives full of lies and deceit. You are stuck in that incident travel life to life continually acting out your crimes. Lashing out at people like me! People who try to do good work. You appear to be very sweet, kind persons, but underneath this veneer you are all wretched, tortured souls who want nothing more than to destroy me! There is no hope or salvation for you, unless you disconnect from the society that burdens you with this baggage.

DERICK EXITS the room.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
(JESSIE, YOUNG MAN)

A YOUNG MAN turns to JESSIE

YOUNG MAN
What crime have you committed against the Landing?

JESSIE
None, I was kidnapped.

YOUNG MAN
Please, you must never say or do anything to discredit the teachings of the Landing. You must realize what you have done.

The door of the room OPENS, the YOUNG MAN and then the rest of the group stand and begin to file out. JESSIE looks beleaguered as she stands and follows them out.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. CARL'S OFFICE -- DAY
(CARL, SAMUEL)

CARL is on the phone.

CARL
Hey great thanks,

CARL ENDS the call and immediately dials SAMUEL.

CARL
Hey Sam, Carl, listen. I don't want to alarm you, but I just got off the phone with a buddy of mine down at the old station. He gave me the heads up on an arrest he made today. Some nurse was arrested for the murder of a young girl. When she was arrested she mentioned that Derick Larson guy we were talking about.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL BRADSHAW'S BAY STREET OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS
(SAMUEL, JESSIE)

SAMUEL
Really? Larson? What did she say?
(pause)
Hmmm. She was probably just trying to pass the blame.
(pause)
Jessie? She's in Ottawa, why?
(pause)
Thanks, I was just about to give her a call anyway.
(pause)
Thanks for caring, keep in touch if you hear anymore, later buddy. Bye.

SAMUEL hangs up the phone and hits the entry button for JESSIE.

CUT TO:

INT. SMALL ROOM-WAREHOUSE -- EVENING
(DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE is forced into a small eight foot square room in which two chairs sit in the middle. JESSIE is placed into one chair, DERICK sits in the other.

DERICK
I've been told at work today that you still talk critically of my teachings and make comments of fallacy about your previous world.

JESSIE
No, that's not true.

DERICK
Don't lie to me! Your world was full of people with a very low level of spiritual development . The world outside of the Landing is full of misery, filled with people who are controlled by their reactive brains, therefore wonder aimlessly like labotomized zombies throughout life.

JESSIE
That isn't true.

DERICK
True happiness and fulfillment is impossible for you in this world. With out me, you will die.

JESSIE drops her head and begins to cry as DERICK stands.

CUT TO:

INT. SMALL ROOM-WAREHOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
(DERICK, JESSIE)

CLOSE in on JESSIE'S cell phone, it is on silent as it sits on the desk at the front of the room with all her other effects. The red call light starts to flash.

OUT, to see DERICK notice the phone. He walks over to the phone while JESSIE isn't looking and hits the message delete button. DERICK EXITS and slams the door behind him.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. MARINA -- DAY
(JESSIE)

JESSIE stands at the base of the ramp leading to the ramp of a yacht emblazoned with the name "Appaloosa" and a logo showing a winged horse. JESSIE talks on the phone to her boss.

JESSIE
Hey boss, it's Jessie, did Billy give you my message?
(pause)
Yes, Ottawa. Look my friends mother died and I need to stay with her. Is it okay if I take my vacation time now?
(pause)
I know it's short notice, but this is important.
(pause)
Great thanks, I'll see you next week.

JESSIE smiles and starts up the gang plank of the yacht.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BOARD ROOM ABOARD THE YACHT -- DAY
(DERICK)

DERICK gives a lecture to a group his ATTENDANTS who act as ships crew.

DERICK
The purpose of this trip is to show these sinners that the Landing is the sanest place on the earth. We need to share our experiences with them and show them how to rid the planet of non-believers. Now go!

The five ATTENDANTS stand and EXIT. Leaving DERICK starring at a relief of himself hanging on the wall.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. MEDITATION ROOM ABOARD THE YACHT -- DAY
(JESSIE, MONITOR)

JESSIE and a group of six other Landing followers sit in pairs facing each other on sets of mats in a small white room, devoid of any other furniture. They sit maintaining eye contact, motionless a MONITOR paces around the room carrying a yard stick. One of the FOLLOWERS drops from exhaustion. The MONITOR places the yard stick on the women's shoulder.

MONITOR
Start again! Sixty minutes, don't move! As for the rest of you, you have twenty more minutes.

The MONITOR continues his pacing. PAN down to JESSIE who's face shows contempt.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ALTER ROOM -- EVENING
(DERICK, JESSIE, BILLY)

JESSIE is forced to her knees by DERICK in front of a deity like statue, placed atop of an alter.

DERICK
Jessie, you haven't admitted to your crimes against the Landing. For your punishment you must pray to Kalyek, the goddess of death and destruction.

A group of DERICK'S FOLLOWERS surround JESSIE and begin to chant to the tune of 'Rock of Ages'.

DERICK
Start now! Atone for your sins! Pray to your god!

JESSIE
(half heartedly)
I Jessie Riley am a worshiper of the goddess Kalyek and want chaos and death and destruction.

DERICK produces a knife with a twelve inch blade with a cheap gold painted handle and a photo of Billy and hands them to JESSIE.

DERICK
Take the knife and stab the preclear of sin.

JESSIE shows a look of disdain and takes the knife and thrusts it into the center of the photo and then slits it into two.

DERICK
That will teach you too speak out.

DERICK and his FOLLOWERS leave the room.

CUT TO:

INT. ALTER ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

JESSIE still kneeling, stares down at the knife and torn picture. JESSIE picks up the knife and lays it flat against her wrist and then flips it so the cutting edge is against her wrist.

PAN, up. As JESSIE begins to sob. Her hand begins to shake as she holds the knife above her wrist. JESSIE throws the knife down in anger.

JESSIE
What's wrong with me!

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BUNK ROOM-WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT
(DERICK, JESSIE)

The darkness of the night is broken as two FOLLOWERS and DERICK burst into the bunk room where JESSIE and four other women sleep. Bright flashlights are shawn into the eyes of the women who are then forcibly removed one at a time from their bunks and ushered out of the room.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
(DERICK, JESSIE)

DERICK follows as JESSIE and the women are ushered into the room by the FOLLOWERS and placed into the small school style desks. Paper and pens are produced and handed out.

DERICK
You are here to write to the non-believing public. Telling them of your great stay aboard the Appaloosa d how the Landing has changed your life.

JESSIE
(annoyed)
If I wrote the truth about how things were here, nobody would want to come to the Landing.

DERICK becomes visibly angry and slams his fist down on JESSIE's desk to the horror of the other women.

DERICK
You will be assigned a condition of treason for the blasphemous words that you have spread from your mouth! Here take this and where it as a sign of your shame!

DERICK produces a red arm band from his pocket and places it onto JESSIE'S arm. DERICK turns toward his FOLLOWERS.

DERICK
Send her to rehabilitation.

DERICK TURNS back toward JESSIE.

DERICK
You should have learned to keep your mouth shut. Now you will learn the same lesson your friend Briana learned. Take her now!

The FOLLOWERS hook a hand under JESSIE'S arms and drag her out of the desk and forcibly remove her from the room. TIGHT on DERICK who has a demented look on his face.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE -- DAY
(BILLY, TEAM DOCTOR)

BILLY is having his knee attended to by the TEAM DOCTOR.

BILLY
Is it okay?

TEAM DOCTOR
You should stay off it for another couple of days.

BILLY
Your kidding right. The Turbo's are about to make history, no team in league history has ever three-peated . The team needs me, I can't rest.

TEAM DOCTOR
Billy, those bats chipped your knee cap, a good hit could break it.

BILLY
Look wrap it up and I promise to skate fast so nobody can check me.

TEAM DOCTOR
(laughing)
I know you will. But serious, promise me to have it looked at after the season is over.

BILLY
I promise.

The TEAM DOCTOR takes out a bundle of elastic wrap and starts to wrap JESSIE'S knee.

TEAM DOCTOR
Has the cops said anything to you about who attacked you?

BILLY
No, but I'd rather they didn't, if the media found out they would have a field day.

TEAM DOCTOR
I guess your right. Okay, your good

BILLY
Thanks Doc.

TEAM DOCTOR
Now, get out of here and win a championship.

BILLY rolls his pant leg down and hops off the table and starts to EXIT. The TEAM DOCTOR gets in one last piece of advice.

TEAM DOCTOR
And remember, no water skiing during the off season!

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- EVENING
(FOLLOWER, JESSIE)

A FOLLOWER stands guard at the door of the small room, with only a steel frame bed as the only furniture. JESSIE looks pale as she scrubs the concrete floor on all fours with a brush, dipping it into a rusty metal bucket full of soap and water. She is clad in only a thin night gown.

JESSIE
(wearily)
I am finished can I get up now?

FOLLOWER
I will tell you when you are finished. Or would you rather I tell Mr. Larson too extend your rehab.

JESSIE
(desperate)
I need to use the bathroom now!

FOLLOWER
Keep scrubbing I said!

JESSIE
(defiantly, struggles to her feet)
I need to use the bathroom! I don't have to ask permission, I am a human being.

The FOLLOWER grabs JESSIE and throws her onto the bed. JESSIE lands hard, bounces and immediately comes back onto her feet. She picks up the bucket and in a fit of anger throws it at the FOLLOWER, drenching him in suds and water.

FOLLOWER
(angrily)
You bitch!

The FOLLOWER throws open the door and EXITS. JESSIE falls back into the bed and begins to sob in the fetal position.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. MEDIA ROOM -- MORNING
(DERICK, JESSIE)

JESSIE sits in front of a camera wearing a neatly pressed dress and heavy make-up. DERICK stands behind her.

JESSIE
(smiling)
As you can see the Landing has healed me and taken me from a tired, mentally unhealthy disbeliever to a person full of energy and fulfillment. Derick Larson has given my life meaning and direction.

DERICK
Good, cut! That's the one.
(to Jessie)
Thank you Jessie, you have finally atoned for your sins. Now the world will believe in me when they see this tape.

PAN down to JESSIE who's face shows a look of concern.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. OSHAWA DRESSING ROOM -- EVENING
(BILLY, TEAMMATE, JESSIE)

Billy still in his street clothes sits in the corner of the dressing room. He is nervous and pensive as he listens to a recorded operator message of "the number you are trying to reach is not in service" on his cell phone.

BILLY
(under his breath)
Where the hell is she?

A TEAMMATE beside him is already taping up his shin pads, notices BILLY's frustration.

TEAMMATE
Billy, are you going to get ready?

BILLY
(distracted)
Hmm, oh ya.

BILLY takes off his jacket and unzips his bag, not letting on his concern for JESSIE.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- EVENING
(ANNOUNCER, BILLY, COACH) THE OSHAWA PLAYERS LINE UP IN THE CORRIDOR WAITING TO STEP ON THE ICE. WE HEAR THE FANS GOING NUTS AS THE ANNOUNCER STARTS TO CALL THE OSHAWA PLAYERS NAMES. BILLY FIDGETS NERVOUSLY IN LINE, PLAYING WITH HIS HELMET AND CHIN STRAP.

The COACH notices and tries to find out the problem.

COACH
Billy, something wrong? This is the final game, get with it!

BILLY
Sorry coach, it's just, I haven't been able to reach my wife for a couple of days and I'm worried.

COACH
Deal with it later, okay. Now go! They are calling for you!

ANNOUNCER
Number thirteen, the RideauRocket, Billy Mahern!

BILLY steps onto the ice and looks up towards Sam and the empty seat beside him in the third row of the stands.

BILLY
(inaudible over the noise)
Where is she?

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA-STANDS -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, DERICK)

SAM shows with his hands "I don't know" and watches BILLY try to regain his composure and start his pregame routine.

PAN, further up into the stands, sitting near the top is DERICK. He is dressed in his familiar long black coat, scarf and gloves. He looks down toward with a devious smile.

CUT TO:

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- EVENING
(ATTENDANT, JESSIE)

JESSIE looks malnourished and and pale. She listens to the footsteps of the ATTENDANT as he EXITS the room slamming the door shut and walking down the corridor.

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

JESSIE jumps up and grabs her purse from the corner of the bed and frantically tries to use her cell phone, but finds the battery dead. She becomes frantic, throws the phone down and proceeds to dump the contents of her purse out and starts to search through the pile finds a nail file.

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(ATTENDANT, JESSIE)

Nail file in hand JESSIE jumps from the bed and heads for the small window in the corner. She begins to use the nail file like a pick, working at the old glazing of the window. Nervous, about getting caught, JESSIE turns her attention back towards the door and listens for any sign of the ATTENDANT. Turning back toward the window, JESSIE quickens her assault the glazing, tearing small chunks away.

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

The sound of the ATTENDANT'S footsteps alarms JESSIE, her breath quickens as she drops the nail file and looks around the room for something else to use, but finds nothing. She turns her attention towards the glass. Feeling it she relizes it is cold.

JESSIE
It's cold. Single pain glass. Jesus help me.

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

JESSIE hurries over to the bed and pulls the sheet off and wraps it around her hand and forearm.

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

In front of the window, JESSIE turns her head and throws her arm into the window, smashing the thin glass outward.Still using the sheet for protection she breaks out the remaining shards of glass.

INT. ISOLATION ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE)

JESSIE barefoot and only clad in a nightgown, places the sheet around her and climbs up on the window sill. SOUNDS of rushing ATTENDANTS, make JESSIE first look back and then down towards the gravel covered ground, two stories down. She takes a breath and jumps.

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-REAR DRIVE AWAY -- NIGHT
(JESSIE)

JESSIE lands hard and rolls onto her feet. The fall causes damage to her legs and arms. JESSIE winces in pain ass she takes off across the field in back of the Landing Learning Center. Blood streams from the wounds.

EXT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-REAR DRIVE AWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE) THE LIGHTS OF THE LANDING LEARNING CENTER GO UP, LARGE SPOT LIGHTS LIGHT UP HALF OF THE REAR FIELD.

JESSIE disappears into the darkness, just as the sound of male perusers with dogs start.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- EVENING
(ANNOUNCER, DERICK)

The buzzer sounds to announce the end of the game.

ANNOUNCER
And that's the game the Oshawa Turbo's have defeated the Quebec City Saints 3 to 2 to take the two thousand five Canadian Championships four games to three.

The crowd is standing and cheering. SAM'S rejoice is halted as his attention is drawn to the isle way where DERICK has made his way.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, DERICK)

The Oshawa players, jubilant make their way past him. As BILLY approaches, DERICK positions himself in the middle of the doorway.

DERICK
Great game.

BILLY
(sarcastically)
Glad you enjoyed it.

DERICK
I did, too bad Jessie couldn't make it, I'm sorry I had to take her away from you tonight. Church business.

BILLY
What church? Business? Jessie's in Ottawa visiting friends.

DERICK
Interesting? Is that what she told you? Are you sure she didn't just get tired of you and leave?

BILLY
(upset)
You bastard! What the hell are you talking about? If you know something spit it out.

DERICK
Let's just say the hell you speak of isn't a place of fire and brimstone as Dante paints so vividly your hell is now, here.

BILLY lunges toward DERICK as he does two of the OSHAWA TRAINERS step in and hold BILLY back.

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, SAMUEL, DERICK)

SAM ENTERS from the stands and waives the OSHAWA TRAINERS off and grabs a hold of BILLY.

SAMUEL
(concerned)
Billy! What's going on!

BILLY
(angry)
This scum knows something about where Jessie is.

SAMUEL
(confused)
She's not in Ottawa? Then where is she?

DERICK
(interjecting)
Don't worry, you can have her back as soon as she atones for her sins against me and the church.

DERICK's cell phone rings.

DERICK
I'll deal with you two later.

DERICK EXITS leaving BILLY fuming, still being held back by SAMUEL.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK)

DERICK walks towards the arena EXIT as he answers his cell phone.

DERICK
(into the phone)
What is it? What do you mean gone! I'll be right there!

DERICK hurriedly walks through the arena doors.

CUT TO:

INT. OSHAWA ARENA --MOMENTS LATER
(BILLY, SAMUEL, DERICK)

SAMUEL backs off BILLY and attempts to shed light on the situation. BILLY is visibly upset.

BILLY
Some things wrong, we have to find Jessie fast, give me a minute to get changed.

SAMUEL
I'll call the cops.

BILLY
No! That might spook him, we will have to do it alone.

SAMUEL
Okay, hurry, I'll see if I can spot him out front.

BILLY hurries toward the dressing room tearing his jersey and pads off. SAM runs past the the on going celebration in the crowded corridor searching for DERICK.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. DRAINAGE DITCH ALONG THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY -- NIGHT
(JESSIE)

JESSIE lies flat down in a drainage ditch near the highway. She labors from the long run across the field. She attends to the gash in her arm, tearing the sheet wrapping it around her arm. The sound of automobile coming down the isolated stretch of highway alerts JESSIE's attention.

JESSIE hobbles to her feet and begins to wave frantically. The pick-up truck screeches to a halt. A MAN/LAWRENCE quickly EXITS from the truck and runs over to JESSIE

MAN/LAWRENCE
What happened!

JESSIE
Not now, I need to get out of here.

MAN/LAWRENCE
Of course get in the truck.

The MAN/LAWRENCE takes JESSIE by the arm and helps her into the truck and runs around to the drivers side.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL'S CAR -- NIGHT
(BILLY, DERICK, SAMUEL, JESSIE)

SAMUEL frantically drives down the street both himself and BILLY still clad in his hockey pants and shin pads look for signs of DERICK.

BILLY
Christ! We will never find her driving around like this, where can she be!

SAMUEL
Stay calm, I need you too think. Has Jessie told you anything that could lead us to where she is?

BILLY
She said she was up in Ottawa visiting her friend Cathy but that doesn't make sense?

SAMUEL
Why not?

BILLY
She said she met Cathy at our wedding, but she wasn't there. We met Cathy later when Jessie came out to...

BILLY pauses as he clues into the message from JESSIE.

BILLY
(excited)
Brandon!

SAMUEL
What? Brandon what?

BILLY
Now I got it! I just thought Jessie got her dates mixed up. At the wedding I introduced her to my teammate Terry. Terry is originally from Brandon, but his date wasn't Cathy?

SAMUEL
Maybe she forgot.

BILLY
No, she was trying to tell me something. I got it! She wasn't in the city of Ottawa, she meant the government, the club, near the Government Night Club there's an old distillery that used to make cheap Brandy before some religious organization had it closed down.

SAMUEL
Right! They named the place the Holy Cathedral of something. That's what I couldn't figure out the other day. The leader was kicked out of the church after he was found guilty of tax evasion and extortion. He fled back to Germany the last I heard, but I bet Derick Larson is the same guy as this Dracal Larter.

BILLY
Who's Dracal Larter?

SAMUEL
A guy their looking for all over Canada and the States, ever heard of the Landing?

BILLY
That cult responsible for the deaths of those kids last year in Europe?

SAMUEL
The police couldn't prove it, so they let him go. I'm sorry Billy I didn't know. I even handled the paperwork so he could get his organization started here.

BILLY
You couldn't have. Anyway, turn here, I bet Jessie's in that warehouse in Toronto.

SAMUEL
Don't worry buddy, we will get her.

SAMUEL turns the wheel hard and makes a sharp turn and races down a side street.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. LANDINGS LEARNING CENTER-FRONT YARD -- EVENING
(DERICK)

An angry DERICK drives up to the landing and begins to yell out at his ATTENDANTS through the car window.

DERICK
How could you be so stupid? How long ago did she escape!

The ATTENDANTS are afraid to answer and are only able to motion one hour with their fingers.

DERICK
Stay here, call the police and report a missing person. Tell them she was mentally ill and we were trying to help her, but she escaped. I'll go look for her, she couldn't have gotten far.

The ATTENDANTS nod as DERICK speeds off.

INT. CAR OF MAN/LAWRENCE WHO PICKS UP JESSIE -- NIGHT
(JESSIE)

JESSIE tries to map out her next plan with the MAN/LAWRENCE whom she flagged down.

MAN/LAWRENCE
What happened?

JESSIE
They kidnapped me and where trying to kill me, like they did my friend Briana, they starved her to death!

MAN/LAWRENCE
(confused)
They who?

JESSIE
A guy named Derick Larson, he runs the Landing Learning Center. The city thinks it's a church, it's a bloody sick cult! Do you have a cell phone I could borrow?

MAN/LAWRENCE
Yes. Sure, do you want me to drive you to the hospital?

The MAN/LAWRENCE hands JESSIE his cell phone.

JESSIE
No, I need to get a hold of my husband.

JESSIE opens the phone a dials.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL'S CAR -- EVENING
(BILLY)

BILLY's cell phone rings. He quickly takes it from his bag and answers it.

BILLY
Hello? Jessie! Where are you!

CUT TO:

INT. CAR OF MAN/LAWRENCE WHO PICKS UP JESSIE -- EVENING
(JESSIE)

JESSIE
Heading back towards home where are you?

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL'S CAR -- EVENING
(BILLY, SAMUEL)

BILLY
I figured out your message, we thought you were still at the Landing.

BILLY motions SAMUEL to pull the care over, who nods.

INT. CAR OF MAN/LAWRENCE WHO PICKS UP JESSIE -- EVENING
(JESSIE)

JESSIE
No, I broke a window and escaped and a man saw me and picked me up.

CUT TO:

INT. SAMUEL'S CAR -- EVENING
(BILLY, SAMUEL)

SAMUEL grabs the phone from BILLY.

SAMUEL
Look Jessie, tell who ever your with to pull over and lay low. If Larson is out, we don't want him to find you. We will be right there.

CUT TO:

INT. CAR OF MAN/LAWRENCE WHO PICKS UP JESSIE -- EVENING
(JESSIE)

JESSIE
Okay Sam, but hurry
(pause)
Tell Billy I love him, bye.

JESSIE turns to the MAN/LAWRENCE.

JESSIE
Pull over hear, my step-father and husband are on the way.

MAN/LAWRENCE
Good, we will wait.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DERICK'S CAR -- EVENING
(DERICK, JESSIE, POLICE OFFICER #2)

DERICK drives down the highway searching for JESSIE. He leans over and switches on a police scanner and here's a police call.

POLICE OFFICER #2
Please be on the look out for a female in her late teens, escaped from a mental facility.

DERICK
That will teach you to stray.

CUT TO:

INT. CAR OF MAN/LAWRENCE WHO PICKS UP JESSIE -- EVENING
(JESSIE)

JESSIE is tucked down below the edge of the window as she hears a police siren in the distance up and behind. Her face shows a look a relief.

A police car screeches to a halt in a fashion that blocks the car in from the rear.

CUT TO:

EXT. HIGHWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
(COP, JESSIE)

JESSIE EXITS. The car and starts to run towards the cop.

COP
Halt, miss stop! And place your hands on your head!

JESSIE
You don't understand, I need your help.

COP
Stay there I will come to you!

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(COP, JESSIE)

The MAN/LAWRENCE in the car EXITS with his hands over his head.

MAN/LAWRENCE
I think I can help. I picked up this women in front of the Landing Learning Center, she was hiding in the ditch.

COP
What were you doing in the ditch?

JESSIE attempts to answer but is cut of by the MAN/LAWRENCE.

MAN/LAWRENCE
She was trying to escape from her rehabilitation stay. I'm Lawrence Douglas, I'm a councilor at the Landing. The head of the church Mr. Larson called me and asked me to help find Mrs. Riley here.

JESSIE
(dumfounded)
What! Your nuts! Look officer, I was kidnapped by Larson and he tried to kill me!

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(DERICK, COP, JESSIE)

From behind DERICK pulls up and EXITS his car.

DERICK
There you are Jessie, good work Mr. Douglas.

COP
Hold it, I'm confused, now who are you?

DERICK
I'm Derick Larson, Jessie is my patient, I'm her spiritual guidance. She is sick, her head is full of ideas that are a hindrance to her well being.

COP
We got a call that said someone escaped from your place? How? Was she under order to stay?

DERICK
Jessie came to me in need of cleansing and volunteered to stay until she was free of the evil inside her.

JESSIE
(irate)
You bastard! You were charged for kidnapping my friend Briana and because I don't believe in your cult you tried to have me killed.

DERICK
That's the kind of misguided ramblings that I was concerned about, sir. This Briana she talks about was a street kid on drugs, that I took in. I tried to save her, but, you can't win them all.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
(BILLY, BILL, JESSIE, SAMUEL, COP, DERICK)

From the opposite direction BILLY and SAMUEL in their car approach and stop in front of the group SAMUEL followed by BILLY bound from the car. SAMUEL takes out his bill fold and opens it to his business card. JESSIE looks over with excitement.

SAMUEL
Excuse me officer, I'm Sam Bradshaw, Jessie Riley's father and lawyer here so a convicted murderer and I wish for you to take him into custody for the kidnapping, forcible confinement and attempted murder of my daughter.

COP
Slow down.

The COP talks into his radio.

COP
Send back up.

The COP returns his attention to SAMUEL.

COP
Now Mr. Bradshaw, tell me your story.

SAMUEL
A couple of days ago, Jessie phoned her husband, Billy here, to say that she was heading to Ottawa to see a friend.

BILLY
I believed her at first, but then I realized she was in trouble when her story didn't make any sense.

COP
Why would she lie and just take off?

BILLY
I believe she was being held against her will and couldn't tell me. So she made up a story, full of things only I would know were false.

JESSIE
There was always somebody listening to my conversation, so I had to talk in code. I knew you would get it.

BILLY
I had some help, Sam can fill in the rest.

SAMUEL
If it wasn't for a misplaced document down at the better business bureau I would have never found out that Derick Larson was in fact Dracal Larter convicted in Germany for murder and wanted in god knows how many countries for fraud and extortion, all in connection with his bogus church.

DERICK
Those are lies, typical of you pagan disbelievers.

The COP talks into his radio.

COP
What do we have on a Dracal Larter?

The COP puts his microphone night to his ear and his expression grows stone cold.

COP
Mr. Larson, I would like to advise you at this time of your rights, you have the right to remain silent, anythin...

DERICK
(angry)
No!

COP
Please sir, let me finish. Anything you say, can and will be held against you...

DERICK'S grows angrier.

DERICK
No disciple of the devil will hold me prisoner!

DERICK pulls a gun from underneath his jacket. Shocked, Billy pulls Jessie into his arms and along with Samuel step back. The MAN/LAWRENCE takes a step forward, to a position behind DERICK.

COP
Please sir, put the gun down!

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(COP, DERICK)

The COP begins to reach for his gun. DERICK cocks his weapon and fires two shots point blank at the cOP. The COP falls to the ground.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, COP, DERICK, JESSIE)

As the second shot is fired BILLY lets go of JESSIE and lunges forward and chops at the hand that DERICK is holding the gun, causing the second bullet to miss and hit the cop cruiser.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, SAMUEL)

The confusion allows SAMUEL to grab JESSIE and pull her down behind the MAN/LAWRENCE'S driver side front bumper.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY)

The MAN/LAWRENCE lunges from the side and knocks BILLY to the ground. A scuffle ensues until the much larger BILLY rolls on top of the MAN/LAWRENCE and lands a punch into his jaw.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(COP, DERICK)

DERICK re-aims his gun and walks toward the prone COP. The COP struggling, reaches for his gun with his bloody hand that was covering the wound in his chest.

DERICK stops and stands directly over the prone COP, raises his gun, while smiling.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(JESSIE, DERICK)

JESSIE notices a gun sticking out of the waistband of the MAN/LAWRENCE and races over towards him and grabs it.

JESSIE TURNS and fires at DERICK.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(COP)

The COP reaches his weapon but shows a look of shock as DERICK'S body falls and lands next to him.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, JESSIE, SAMUEL)

JESSIE'S face shows both shock and relief. BILLY runs over to her.

BILLY
Jessie! Drop the gun!

JESSIE in shock throws the gun to the side.

SAMUEL ENTERS and stands behind JESSIE.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(COP, JESSIE, SECOND OFFICER)

Two more cruisers approach, one OFFICER EXITS and rushes to the aid of the COP. The SECOND OFFICER runs over to JESSIE. JESSIE motions at the gun. The SECOND OFFICER removes it and EXITS.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(COP, DERICK, FIRST OFFICER)

The COP on the ground motions to the FIRST OFFICER attending to him that he is alright and then to DERICK.

COP
Check him, he was shot as well.

The FIRST OFFICER checks DERICK for a pulse, then shakes his head.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(BILLY, JESSIE, SECOND OFFICER, SAMUEL)

JESSIE, shaken hugs BILLY, SAM wraps his arms around both of them.

JESSIE
He's dead?

The SECOND OFFICER walks back towards JESSIE.

SECOND OFFICER
Yes, can you all come with me?

SAMUEL
Sure.

The four EXIT.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- CONTINUOUS
(FIRST OFFICER, BILLY, COP, JESSIE, SAMUEL, SECOND OFFICER)

The MAN/LAWRENCE still on the ground, begins to come too and attempts to stand.

FIRST OFFICER
Stay there sir! I've called for more back-up they will want to talk to you.

The MAN/LAWRENCE nods. JESSIE, SAMUEL, BILLY are lead by the SECOND OFFICER past the FIRST OFFICER attending to the COP as more cruisers pull up. A THIRD OFFICER rushes over to the MAN/LAWRENCE.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. JESSIE'S APARTMENT -- MORNING
(BILLY, JESSIE, SAMUEL, WIFE)

CAPTION: "Three months later"

SAMUEL and his wife ENTER carrying a cake with birthday candles on it, and join Billy in on the singing. JESSIE looks on smiling.

BILLY
Happy birthday dear Jessie!

SAMUEL
Happy birthday dear Jessie!

WIFE
Happy birthday dear Jessie!

SAMUEL
Well how does it feel to no longer be a teenager?

JESSIE
Great, thanks for putting up with me for the last three months. What ever Larson did to my mind messed me up pretty good.

BILLY
Na, your fine now, a little tender loving care and you will be back to normal.

SAMUEL
Man, I only heard about the kind of mind control techniques Larson was using from guys returning from Korea and Vietnam.Robert Lifton wrote a book about mind manipulation. Here I got you a copy.

SAMUEL hands JESSIE a wrapped book. JESSIE proceeds to unwrap it and looks pleased.

JESSIE
Thanks. How does someone like Larson take someone who is normal like Briana and make them believe his crap.

SAMUEL
He exploited any weakness she had and made her believe that he could heal everything. Filling all the voids in her life. That's how cults work. The good thing is that their control is only temporary and that most people return to their original state of mind within time. Assuming the person has family who can help repair the damage.

BILLY
And you do.

JESSIE
Yes, ~I know, I wish we could have helped Briana realize that.

BILLY lights the candles on the cake.

BILLY
Make a wish.

JESSIE
(softly)
For Briana.

JESSIE blows out the candles.

FADE TO BLACK:

CAPTION:

AFTER DERICK'S DEATH THE LANDING LEARNING CENTER WAS FINALLY SHUT DOWN AND THE BUILDING DEMOLISHED. ASSURING THAT NO OTHER ORGANIZATION COULD USE THE BUILDING FOR ANY SIMILAR PURPOSE.

MR. HANSON COULDN'T HANDLE THE DEATH OF HIS DAUGHTER AND SUCCUMBED TO HIS DEAMON'S. HE WAS FOUND IN HIS HOME UNCONSCIOUS AFTER TAKING A LETHAL COMBINATION OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. HE LATER DIED IN HOSPITAL.

MANY OF DERICK'S FOLLOWERS TOOK THE ADVICE OF JESSIE AND SOUGHT TREATMENT BY A PSYCHOLOGIST RENOWNED FOR HIS DEPROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES. FIRST USED BY ARMY PSYCHOLOGIST'S IN KOREA TO COUNTER THE EFFECTS OF THE MIND MANIPULATION USED BY THE NORTH KOREANS

SARAH MARSH WAS ACQUITTED OF MURDER AND PLED GUILTY TO THE LESSER CHARGE OF INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER AND IS CURRENTLY SERVING THREE TO FIVE YEARS. SHE SAYS SHE PLANS TO HELP WITH VICTIMS OF CULTS WHEN SHE IS RELEASED.

BILLY WAS DRAFTED NUMBER ONE NOT BY THE LEAFS AS HE HOPED, BUT BY MONTREAL. THE GOOD THING IS THAT MONTREAL'S FARM TEAM IS IN HAMILTON, SO BILLY CAN STAY CLOSE TO JESSIE WHO IS ENJOYING HER TENURE AT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HOPING TO OPEN UP HER OWN GRIEF COUNSELING CENTER WHEN SHE GRADUATES

END